Rubric for Reflections

Much research has shown us that those teachers who reflect on their teaching grow and improve, thus, becoming better teachers. This assignment, by extension, should help you grow and improve mathematically and form the habit of reflecting on your work. Also, the assignment gives me opportunities to redirect your thinking when you have formed a misconception and plan for instruction, while you can better organize your study time so it is more efficient and beneficial to you. (This knowledge comes from action research that I have conducted in my KSU classes over the last five years.)

You are responsible for sending the email by the deadline stated in the syllabus. If you have server/computer problems or internet service problems, let me know the next class period, and we will work out an appropriate contingency. Please do not abuse this situation. I know problems can arise, but, for the most part, email is fairly stable. Additionally, you can send your reflection from any computer using the internet and the website given in the syllabus (www.resbuy.com/math) or you can email me directly at drbanker@mindspring.com following directions given in the syllabus.

Question	1	3	5
What mathematics did I learn this week*? *In your case, this means the appropriate period for the reflection.	We learned about linear functions, including slope, x- and y-intercepts, and the rate of change.	We learned about linear functions, including slope, x- and y-intercepts, and the rate of change. Slope tells the steepness of the line.	We learned about linear functions such as s = 5w +80. In the function, s is the number of subscriptions on a paper route, and w is the number of weeks the boy/girl has had the route. The slope is 5, and it tells me the number of subscriptions is increasing because 5 is positive. It also says the increase is 5 subscriptions each week. The y-intercept is the constant 80. It tells me that at the start of the paper route, the boy/girl had 80 subscriptions.
What was easy and why?	Nothing!	I already knew which number in the function is slope. And, I knew the y-intercept crosses the y-axis at this point.	I already knew that the number with w is the slope and the constant number is the y-intercept. I had not connected the meaning to the situation.
What was difficult and why?	Everything!	I had trouble telling what the interpretation is.	I had never heard of a ‘verbal interpretation’ of slope and how to apply it to a real-world situation. The same is true of the y-intercept.

1 In question 1, the student has listed the topics for the week using complete sentences in #1. Questions 2 and 3 have no value to me or the student, whatsoever. The 50+ words criteria is not met.

3 In question 1, the student has given a little information about the learning using complete sentences. Questions 2 and 3 are much better, but more detail is still needed. Why? Is not addressed in question 3.

5 Complete sentences are used throughout the reflection. The student is making connections with the function parts and each meaning.

It is possible to receive scores of 2 and 4 on the reflections. A score of 2 requires slightly better info than is given here for a score of 1, and the same would be true for a score of 4 vs. the score of 3.