That’s quite an easy one to answer as it was the reason I started this blog in the first place. The most significant/important thing I did last year in terms of teaching was to begin the MaST course. I ummed and ahhed over whether to apply for ages because I knew that any extra work load would prove difficult. In the end I sent my application in right on the deadline and scraped in by the skin of my teeth (and a glowing reference from my head).
I have enjoyed the course on so many different levels:
My network group of 10 people in the local ish area is fantastic. Our meetings are always lively and fun as well as providing a lot of food for thought. They have been led by two maths consultants from the LA who have been a real source of knowledge and enthusiasm – Thanks Jane and Kerry! Every person in the group is supportive and the group has really gelled together.
Our HEI meetings at NTU have been led by a variety of tutors but they have all been at least interesting and a couple have been really inspiring. There has not been a single meeting where I haven’t taken at least one idea that I could go and use in the classroom straightaway.
Then there was the residential in February! An incredibly demanding weekend that was full of inspiration and food for thought. I am really looking forward to the next one in March.
The course has made me really reflect on my teaching and how and why I do things. I think that I have definitely become a better maths teacher as a direct result of what I have done so far. The challenge now is to make sure that I can disseminate what I have learned to my colleagues.
The down side to all of this was the assignments. I have found them very difficult to write at the level required. The reading has been fascinating and very worthwhile but writing up what I have found out has been taxing in the extreme. I await the return of my second assignment with a huge amount of trepidation.
And so onto 2011 and year 2. I will possbly have to begin by rewriting and resubmitting the second assignment and thenbegin to think about the assignment for this year. I’m looking forward to learning more and implementing what I have learned in my class and school.
It’s easy to post a week when I’m on holiday. Will I keep it up when I’m back at school I wonder?
Wicked Witch's Blog 