2005 Peer-to-Peer Memo

1. Memorandum
To: Ms. Stevens, Math Dept Chair
From: A. Jorge García, Mathematics Teacher
Re: Peer­to­Peer Focus 2005–2006
Date: 10/24/2005
My P2P Focus for the 2005–2006 school will be “How can I involve as many students
as possible during HomeWork review.”
The day after new material is presented to my Math students, I have them explain
their HomeWork at the board. I randomly select one student at a time to explain part of a
problem. Then I randomly select another to continue the problem. I continue this process
until each problem is solved and we then start the next problem.
In this vein I have Clear and High Expectations that each and every student can
achieve a high­quality of work. As the students develop their solutions at the board, I make
sure to interject appropriate learning standards for that problem. I also make sure to make
examples of the best solutions.
We also accentuate Academic Rigor in a Thinking Curriculum. We focus on the core
ideas of each problem as the solution is developed by the students. I also expect the
students not at the board to ask questions about the solution if they do not understand or
add to the solution if they see a better mode of attack. I challenge the students at the board
to explain key ideas that come up in the solution.
This process also lends itself to Fair and Credible Evaluation. When I select a
student to go to the board I evaluate their work on the problem at hand. I also check
preparedness for class. In other words, I check their HomeWork, NoteBook, TextBook and
Calculator as well as BoardWork. Everyday, each student can earn up to 5 points. This
grade then forms 15% of the quarter grade for class participation. In this way, I provide
feedback to each student so they know what is expected of them.
Sincerely,
A. Jorge García
Applied Math & CS
Baldwin SHS & Nassau CC
http://calcpage.tripod.com
calcpage@lycos.com
p2pMemo.doc 1