Byram Intermediate Introduces New Teaching Strategy

The eighth-grade students at Byram Intermediate School were met with some exciting changes on the first day of school. In a district-wide initiative to make learning more student centered, the eighth-grade math teachers, as well as other teachers within the district, attended a week-long summer workshop on a teaching style that encourages students to take ownership in their learning.
The focus in the classroom is not only on building a student’s academic knowledge, but also their functioning skills. In an age of data-driven and standards-based instruction, it’s important to keep in mind that middle school students are still developing, and need to learn and build on the skills required for functioning in a world outside of school.
The eighth-grade math teachers worked closely together throughout the summer to develop a strategy for engaging students and encouraging them to take ownership in their learning. This process began with the classroom layout itself. The district provided new furniture in each of the classrooms in which the new teaching strategies were being implemented. Traditional desks have been replaced with tables in order to foster constructive communication and group work amongst the students. Typical chairs have been replaced with chairs with wheels so students can move more freely in the room. Classrooms have been re-designed so students have access to everything they need in the room. Folders for student work, academic resources, project resources, whiteboards, and interactive bulletin boards are available at all times, and students can access them on their own.
The next step in the process was developing lessons, and a structure for the lessons that allow students to take ownership in their learning. Gone are the days of a teacher lecturing at a group of students for 80 minutes in an attempt to force content into the student's memory that, in the end, may not be retained.
At the beginning of each week, students are given an “activity list” that serves as a guideline for the lessons that should be completed by the end of the week. The activity list is split into sections, each with videos, how-to-sheets, activities, games, and checkpoints. Embedded in the activity list are required activities, optional activities, and choice activities. Each activity is designated as an individual, small group, partner, or whole class activity. Students are asked to develop their own path to learning, with guidance from the activity list and the classroom teacher.
The students have a very different role in learning than they have in the past, as do the teachers. For the teacher in the room, a typical day starts with posting a schedule for the day that includes benchmark lessons (10-15 minute whole group content lessons), times and topics for mini-lessons (quick small group lessons that students can sign up and attend), and conference times (for students to sign up for one-on-one reviews).
When the teacher has freedom within his/her own schedule, he/she circulates the room checking-in with students and asking the students questions in order to gain a deeper understanding of their content knowledge.
Already the students are learning how to manage their time, take ownership, seek help, and schedule homework all on their own. They are enjoying the small group lessons, and scheduling time to conference with teachers for individualized instruction.
The students at Byram Intermediate School are going above and beyond in taking ownership in everything they do, and will be well prepared for life after middle school and beyond.