Projects and Teamwork

Exam season is over for all standards except 10th and 12th. These standards are taking very important board exams. Meanwhile, the all the other kiddos are busy with so many tasks and projects. Typically, the school would be preparing for the annual function, which showcases each standard's performances. Unfortunately, the annual function has been postponed to a later date. So, the school decided to host an academic exhibition for standards 3-9, and 11. Students in standards K-2 are working on dance performances as well.

This means projects, projects, and more projects for my classes. It's been great to see the students so hands-on. They are creating projects for each of their classes to show some concepts they learned while in their standards before they move on to the next standard in mid-March. The math lab, bio lab, chemistry lab, and physics lab are constantly full of students trying to complete their projects.

My 6th standard students have finished their project about the line segments made in different polygons using push pins and rubber bands. They are currently working on a project about how you can find the day of the week for any given date. 

6th standard, line segments in polygons

I have some 7th standard girls who are working on a project showing the exterior angle property of a triangle. Another group is showing the Pythagorean theorem using a pulley system. One group is showing how to solve simple equations using a wheel that will tell you what to substitute in for x. In another section of 7th standard, my students are creating a display of Napier's method for multiplication and the area and perimeters of 2-D shapes.

7th standard, Pythagorean theorem

In 8th standard, some girls are preparing a display of 3-D shapes and their volumes and surface areas. Two boys are working on the showing the exterior angle property of a triangle as well. Others are creating a poster showing the differences between several kinds of quadrilaterals. Students are all fully engaged in their work. I have never seen such creativity in projects like this before. Although resources are not as easily available as they are in the states, students are using their resources and time very wisely. They will be working on these projects for one more week and will have the exhibition on March 9th. This is the day after I leave, so I will not get to see the exhibition. However, it has been such a joy getting to be a part of the process. Sometimes when I roam around the hallways, I peak in each classroom to see what kind of projects are going on. Students from all standards are impressing with their hard work. 

Students may get frustrated at themselves if their projects are not working properly. They want to throw in the towel and start over. But there's always one student in each group who pushes the group forward. I've seen students be patient with one another and persevere. I've seen them share their resources and ideas. They are not only reinforcing their understanding of these math concepts, but they are also learning how to work together as a team. This has been very encouraging to see.

Once students complete the projects entirely, I will post pictures on here. I also asked the English teacher if the 8th standard students could practice their letter writing skills and write to some of my students from my previous student teaching opportunity in the states. I hope to bring back fifty letters along with me. 

I only have 9 days left to go until I'm headed back to the states. Last week, I had a workshop for the math teachers about developing mathematical reasoning and discourse in our classrooms. This coming Tuesday I will have a workshop with the whole staff about engaging and motivating students.  I am also learning a Hindi song to sing for the staff during my farewell party the teachers have planned. It is going to be difficult to leave my new Indian home and family. These two months have flown by. I am soaking in every bit of each day.