NEWARK ACADEMY 91 South Orange Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey 07039 ‘Telephone: (973) 992-7000 Fax: (973) 992-8962 wrwwnewarka.edy Amanda Addison Class Visitation Feb 24, Day 4, period 3 Geometry Honors Amanda starts class before the second bell by handing out an Onion article on the satirical point that women will be inspired to enter the STEM workforce with less pay. Kids caught on quickly to the absurdity. At first the rationale for the article was not clear, but it happens that not all students picked up on the more subtle satitical nature of Flatland. This exercise ‘was a good way to get the kids to recognize the power of satire, and it was a nice segue into reminding them that they ought to finish with their reading of the book before break. During the emphasis on the Onion article several students join in with discussion, but in this phase it tends to be the same three. Once Amanda moves towards more traditional mathematical fare, all students participate. ‘Taking out their homework, students consider which problems need to be addressed. One boy instantly takes charge of writing the numbers down, and then Amanda assigns individuals to pick up on each problem. As each is figured, Amanda lets the students take the lead on the smartboard Students really scem to know thei geometry, asking good questions and responding with confidence as they are called upon. One boy has a different but successful approach to a problem and Amanda celebrates his independent thinking, Going over some new concepts, Amanda uses the geometric patterns of the smartboard seamlessly, truly an example of technology complementing the teacher's work. The clarity and color-coding really help. As students try to find the value of a triangle side, Amanda circulates to monitor their logic, offering little encouragements or corrections without taking over the problem solving. Students work in earnest because Amanda expects as much: a very scholarly atmosphere. For homework students were asked to watch a video addressing internal tangents. "These concepts are reviewed on the board with figures and explanations, Offand on throughout the lesson, Amanda asks students to partner and discuss with each other their rationale for proofs, ‘These episodes work effectively because Amanda is so good at reconvening the crew and getting almost immediate attention, With ten minutes left, some work problems are handed out by teams of 4, This turns into a competitive venture or game. The boat race makes everyone responsible, not just the geoup leader. Very good efforts in each group, with lots of intellectual give and take.Amanda has created an excellent learning environment in which not a moment is wasted. Mixing up the modes of instruction keeps students attentive and engaged, and ensures that lessons are multi-faceted enough to reach every student. Very impressive work. Vb ‘Von Rollenhagen Dean of Faculty