First Week Back at UHS (:

During my first week back at University High School, I have been spending much time observing and communicating with my mentor teachers. I have been assigned two Honors Pre-Calculus classes and two general Pre-Calculus classes with mostly juniors. The first couple of days were still quite chaotic due to many schedule changes and assigning books to students. After observing the classes of Honors Pre-Calculus and general Pre-calculus, I have noticed how they differ. In Honors, we move a little faster and incorporate more activities involving problem solving and conceptual group work. It has been very interesting to compare each of the classes and how they differ or learn in different ways. Sometimes, we have had to modify our lesson according to how quickly they are picking up on the concepts. One class sometimes takes a little longer than the other even though it's the same material for both classes. So far, I have been able to work with students by helping them with clas work that has been assigned. In addition, I have began learning the students' names by passing back papers to them. This allows me to begin to build relationships with my students and understand their specific needs to help them learn in my Pre-Calculus class. Altogehter, I am extremely excited to be back at University High School working with juniors and seniors. This semester will be challenging and motivating. I am hopeful that this semester will truly verify my choice in career path. I cannot wait to begin planning lessons, bringing new ideas into the classroom, and complete my action research. Completing this semester will mark a big accomplishment!

The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.

-S. Gudder