Structuring Synchronous Sessions by Anna Griffith https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw What are you finding to be best practice in 9-12 Math? en-us 2020-09-29 20:27:20 UTC 2025-10-11 01:43:08 UTC hello@padlet.com Breakout Rooms in Zoom! jbertholf https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798357283 Breakout rooms during my Synchronous Learning Class Meetings is extremely helpful! I am able to pop in and out of these rooms and hear the students talk about the content that was covered or the homework problems assigned. The last two days that I have done this, I have noticed that students are not just sharing answers, but explaining their thought process. This is also another way to break the silence and having 26 kids just look at me with a blank face when we are in a whole group setting. ]]> 2020-10-02 16:47:03 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798357283 Office Hours jbertholf https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798369506 My office hours is a open zoom link for students to come and go as they please. I am happy to report that this week, finally, students have been taking advantage of this opportunity and getting one-on-one attention with me. ]]> 2020-10-02 16:50:10 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798369506 Breakout Rooms kbishop41 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798370325 Need to get a little braver with these! I tried one in Stats, it seemed to go well. Concerned about not being able to watch/listen to all of them at once in Cons Fin and Geom--is there a trick to monitoring them?? Geom is my struggle group--very silent. I'm trying to build rapport, but it is slow going. ]]> 2020-10-02 16:50:23 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798370325 Respecting Student Time kbishop41 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798375847 I believe we need to recognize that students are as overwhelmed as their teachers. Balancing 7 classes in a very different way, often feeling isolated is not an easy task for them or us. We need to remember that they are being expected to do likely more for their classes than before. A zoom, a learning video (or likely two very soon), an assignment, an engagement activity, and so on. I am respecting their time. Once we have done some relationship building and addressed questions/support, I'm giving them the choice to stay in the zoom for more support or get going on their own. Most are getting going--but it's early. I suspect as we move deeper into content, more will stay in the zoom for support. But...that means less time for their work. We all need to recognize the balance of their time among our departments. Other departments need to remember that these kids have SIX other classes.]]> 2020-10-02 16:51:53 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798375847 Diamond pattern jbertholf https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798377233 Again, Breakout Rooms!
Start as a whole group, give clarifications and expectations on what needs to be done (screens on and being unmuted), break off into smaller groups, then bring them all back together and hit on main ideas or questions that were discussed within the breakout rooms. ]]> 2020-10-02 16:52:17 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798377233 Office Hours...How To kbishop41 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798386124 I'm struggling with having open office hours (a constant zoom link) or by appointment. Right now it is by appointment. Students are wanting immediate 1-1 support. I am encouraging them to reach out to set up an appointment and then we can work together. So far, that is what the majority has indicated they need. As we progress through content, my intention is to set up a zoom support meeting for specific content. I also have a need to utilize my time wisely. Sitting with an open zoom and not having anyone show up--can be frustrating. Students need to learn the professional approach of setting up times with others. ]]> 2020-10-02 16:54:40 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798386124 kbishop41 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798412814 Honestly, I'm not sure I am there yet. And that's ok.]]> 2020-10-02 17:01:47 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/798412814 Ihave been using my Daily check in to direct me to those students who may be needing to meet with me individually. tgriffith10 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/799124492 2020-10-02 21:03:31 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/799124492 I have used jamboard and padlet quite a few times to give students the opportunity to voice their understanding or opinion. I am taking the approach of baby steps. Hoping that giving them some confidence first, will lead into good whole group discussion. tgriffith10 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/799125974 2020-10-02 21:04:35 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/799125974 lbrown357 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/803870647 Trying to get them to talk to me or anyone else has been tough. I am working on it, though.]]> 2020-10-05 16:48:47 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/803870647 lbrown357 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/803876824 Still trying to get this next level. Just treading water right now.]]> 2020-10-05 16:50:08 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/803876824 lbrown357 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/803878333 I make myself available every day for over two hours a day. Very few students have contacted me for extra help. I am trying to get students who need extra help to make arrangements to come to school and see me.]]> 2020-10-05 16:50:31 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/803878333 nmathis8 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/804646104 I have an open zoom link that I open up for students to join. So far I've had two students take advantages of this. Usually I get emails or google hangout messages and I respond to them as soon as I can throughout the day, but make it a priority during my office hours. ]]> 2020-10-05 20:07:15 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/804646104 nmathis8 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/804650513 I've done some breakout rooms in modeling. I will move back and forth between rooms while they are working, but sometimes when I join a room it doesn't appear that much collaboration is happening.....other times I pop in to hear great conversations taking place. In support I break kids into smaller groups while we go over notes and weekly practice but I'm lucky to have a tutor to help with that. ]]> 2020-10-05 20:08:49 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/804650513 nmathis8 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/804655129 Getting kids to talk during class zooms has been rough, I often feel like I'm talking to a wall.....today I had to wait over 5 minutes for someone to tell me the opposite of adding is subtracting in a geometry class....Sometimes kids will utilize the chat, but I am really getting tired of talking to myself....]]> 2020-10-05 20:10:43 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/804655129 ccox89 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/808231164 Getting students to talk is tough. I agree with Natasha that I am sick of talking to myself. I take attendance in the middle just so I can hear the say something "Here". 

]]> 2020-10-06 19:48:29 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/808231164 ccox89 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/808237287 Nervous about breakout rooms. Not sure what is happening in those rooms. Could be inappropriate and I probably wouldn't see or hear it. ]]> 2020-10-06 19:50:36 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/808237287 ccox89 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/808243754 I have had some students reach out to me during office hours and it's starting to pick up as our material gets more challenging. ]]> 2020-10-06 19:53:00 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/808243754 hit or miss jlamas5 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809090682 Sometimes I get loads of interaction with students talking and cameras on, then I have days (like today) where it's much like what Natasha said, having to practice my wait time (for much too long!) to get a response. I've barely started implementing breakout rooms, not all students are interacting in them, some are but some aren't which makes me feel indifferent about using it. ]]> 2020-10-07 03:51:37 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809090682 jlamas5 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809095145 I've just used breakout rooms, currently I go over some homework problems with students and answer any questions. I think I'll start moving away from that by assigning students a homework problem(s) then have them work on it together in breakout rooms. (realistically, the homework should be done by the time class starts but it usually never is.) 

I've started emailing students that are missing assignments to meet with me during small group meeting time or Wednesday, I've gotten a few students to show up.]]> 2020-10-07 03:54:16 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809095145 jlamas5 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809101265 I have an open zoom link, but I haven't had any students show up. I respond quickly to emails, hangouts, reminds, and comments in google classrooms. I'm hoping more students start to reach out to get help during office hours. Not many students are advocating for themselves so I've emailed students with missing work to meet with me. ]]> 2020-10-07 03:58:37 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809101265 For APEX, we basically deal with one-to-one google hangout sessions instead of small group learning. I'm finally getting a few students to message and ask me for a video appointment. Each of our units has a journal - which is a multi-step problem. It's one of the only places I can see if they are understanding the material. https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809111644 2020-10-07 04:06:16 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809111644 I have open office hours - no takers yet. I do have several students who ask me to do video solutions once in awhile for a "check-point", which is the review before the quix for the lesson. It's asynchronous of course - but sometimes we get a verbal GH going after I send the video. rberg8 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809117464 2020-10-07 04:10:04 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/809117464 Sandy https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811336731 I have tried break out rooms 3 or 4 times with limited success. When I check on the different groups, nothing is happening. Still figuring this out.

]]> 2020-10-07 18:01:21 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811336731 Struggles.... fleyva1 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811543074 I am sharing the exact same struggles as everyone else when trying to interact with kids during class meetings. Even when I ask for hw questions or any question in general I usually get the same students asking 1-2 questions and that is the best I get. I did take an activity from those Caring Classes (forgot what they are called) where in order for me to mark them present they have to answer a "what's your favorite _____" question. I have been able to have some conversation over common interest. 

]]> 2020-10-07 18:57:12 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811543074 I have been using breakout rooms but I don't think I have been using them as "purposeful" as possible. I usually use them as small group work rooms where I can check in with 3-4 students at a time and see if I can help out in anyway fleyva1 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811588106 2020-10-07 19:11:50 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811588106 fleyva1 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811593976 I have had very few students join office hours. The only students that have joined are those who missed a proctored quiz. I have only had about 3-4 students actually join for help on math .]]> 2020-10-07 19:13:46 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811593976 autter2 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811637636 I am not sure I have any new/great ideas to share.  The struggle is real right now to even get kids to engage using ANY method. Camera on, chat, private chat, or actually unmute and talk.  I try to start every class with some sort of check in, whether it is using the camera on/off, respond in the chat, or thumbs up/down.  
I very much feel like I am teaching to "no one" right now.]]> 2020-10-07 19:28:11 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811637636 autter2 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811643769 I am using breakout rooms in Zoom to have kids discuss/share information about a given topic. I feel like I have to "hustle" from room to room, and usually enter to silence and most cameras off. We have been continuing to talk as classes about zoom protocol and expectations, so I have seen some slight improvements. ]]> 2020-10-07 19:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811643769 autter2 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811650222 No students have checked in during my office hours yet this year. If they have questions, it is usually communicated to me via email, and the occasional Hangout]]> 2020-10-07 19:32:33 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/811650222 rchamberlain6 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/812180822 I have only had a couple students take me up on office hours on their own. However, when I give feedback to those who are not doing the work correctly, I have started adding things like, "When is a good time for you to meet with me  during my office hours?" or "I have office hour openings at 2:00 or 2:30 tomorrow. Which works better for you?". As I have started to ask this as an obvious expectation, I've had more student show up for help. ]]> 2020-10-08 00:17:42 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/812180822 mjackson159 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/814815086 I have 2 sets of office hours: one that is by appointment in the morning and an open on in the afternoons. I did this so that students can have a chance for a more personal 1-on-1 option and a quick stop in option. Its been slow going, but students are appreciating both options. ]]> 2020-10-08 17:43:54 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/814815086 Office hours, Remind and Google hangouts have been my way of offering small group or targeted learning in Apex. Having several options for students has been a great for me and students. mjackson159 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/814829696 2020-10-08 17:47:10 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/814829696 mjackson159 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/814843931 Unfortunately, the only class meeting I've been able to pull off are the orientations. Looking back, there is a lot of room for improvement and I already have ideas for how to improve for the next block.]]> 2020-10-08 17:50:27 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/814843931 I feel I am talking to myself all the time, too!! It is difficult to get them to talk, even about non-math related topics. Half of my students refuse to put cameras on and when they do, I am staring at their ceilings. slopez82 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/815359477
I try to keep what I have to say brief but I feel they need to hear due dates, class expectations, etc. I don't know how much of what I post they actually read.]]> 2020-10-08 20:27:20 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/815359477 I sent out a Google Form asking kids to sign up for a "small group" time on Wednesday and for those who take advantage of it, will receive and email and the link to the zoom. I have had several kids sign up, but then nobody joins the zoom. I offer many options for targeted learning, but kids aren't going to them. slopez82 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/815363618 2020-10-08 20:29:11 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/815363618 I have had only a handful of students in the last four weeks log into my office hours. I get most of the questions through email or hangout. slopez82 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/815366753 2020-10-08 20:30:42 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/815366753 khofheins1 https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/815617182 My girls have been in breakout rooms for Spanish and math.  They have said they've never experienced anyone being inappropriate but that it's pretty awkward.  I'm guessing it will get easier as they get to know their classmates better and they get used to the structure. 

]]> 2020-10-08 23:02:24 UTC https://padlet.com/agriffith44/a7v4t2f8f56ojjmw/wish/815617182