We have been spending the last few weeks learning about data analysis through a learner-active approach called Problem Based Learning. In this case, the "problem" that the children are working on is surveying their classmates to find out which supplies the art, music, P.E., and library teachers should order for next year, based on student interest. In order to do so, they would need to know how to use tally marks, create bar or pictographs, analyze the data, and write a persuasive letter to the teacher giving reasons to support their opinion.
The math unit began with teacher directed lessons. From there, the children took charge of their scheduling, learning, recording, and reflecting via learning centers and math folders. Given a checklist of must dos and can dos, the children began choosing which centers they felt would best meet their learning needs. The requirement was that by the end of the week, everyone must have completed at least 4 of the learning centers.
Building independence is an important aspect of the PBL. The children are encouraged to attempt to solve their own problem first, then turn to their classmates to problem solve (applying the rule, "Ask 3 before me"), and finally use the "I Need Help" board to leave a post-it if classroom experts are unable to help them solve a problem.
Many persistent students worked through their problems or helped others, while strengthening their own learning.
At the end of each day, the students were asked to record what they worked on or completed and then had to make a plan (and stick to it) for the following day. Midway through the week, everyone was asked to reflect on their learning (about data analysis) as well as the learning process (what they are learning about themselves, what is going well, what isn't, etc.).
The next step is to complete the specials task and produce the persuasive letter. Finally, the children complete a transfer task over 2 days that demonstrates the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) skills and standards independently by repeating the same steps as the specials task using a "favorite" question.
