An Advanced Placement Calculus Class Of 21 Students With...

This is an advanced placement Calculus class of 21 students with 17 of them categorized as gifted and 7 of them ELL. Because of overcrowded conditions within the school the classroom is being held in a small language arts room which is not ideal. This lesson is focused on the approximation of functions through power series concepts. The students have various strengths and weaknesses and the teacher has determined that she needs to address basic algebraic recognition of manipulations. What were your reactions? This class appeared very cramped contributing to a claustrophobic feeling for the teacher and the students. The teacher could barely slide between the desks to reach the students to guide them on their assignments. This could also pose an environmental risk if a potential fire on the school grounds would occur because it would be difficult for the students to quickly exit the classroom without stumbling over each other. Because the students were all situated very close to each other it contributed to a very noisy classroom atmosphere. It was also very difficult to hear the teacher giving instructions to the students because sound resonates in the classroom. What worked or was effective? Allowing the students to work together on Math assignments permitted the students to give each other feedback, develop stronger communication skills, and encourage creativity while fostering advanced problem solving skills. What didn’t work or was ineffective? The classroom was