Future Steps
If I was going to continue this project forward into a third phase, I would continue on the spectrum from pictorial learning to abstract learning. In constructing my lessons, I would slowly start moving toward abstract examples and explanations while still using pictures and diagrams to reinforce my students' learning. I will keep the difficulty at Z+1. The next unit is sequences and series, which I can find many real world problems for. I would also take advantage of the techonology available in the classroom, namely the netbooks and their interface with the Promethean board which allows for interactivity with the students in order to create more immediate response and feedback. It would also be a break from the normally low tech lessons and would get all of the students participating and thus more engaged. I know that these students prefer to have multiple choice questions even in math class, so this would cater to that preference and they would be more comfortable making an effort. Also because they are not being called out to perform in front of the class, they are more likely to participate. Also, in my lesson design, I would build in more opportunities for the students to come up to the board and solve problems. I observed that my students were quite engaged when one of their peers was at the board and I also want to give them a chance to show what they know.