March




 * We are working on graphing parabolas and solving quadratic linear systems. The students are really enjoying this topic and like the graphing. I must keep reminding them, however, that they need to answer the question and write down the intersecting points. Most are improving in this area.
 * The students seem to be weaker at knowing when to solve a system. They have been able to do the day to day homework on systems, but when it is thrown all together, they have a much tougher time. Real world applications was another point that they had extreme difficulty with. Even after drawing pictures as examples, they were having trouble putting it all together.
 * The beginning parts of the chapter 13 test were fine. The students can solve a quadratic without many problems. Their factoring is much better also. However, when told to solve the systems of equations, they did not recall what needed to be done. The grades were pretty much the same amount for each grade range. I had just as many people get A's that failed, and that same amount of students received grades in the 80's.
 * We also began the Trig chapter this month. (Chapter 8). The kids really like trig, but I spent a great deal of time focusing on "function of an angle" because it is such a new concept. They get SOH CAH TOA easily, but knowing which side is opposite or adjacent and that it changes depending on the angle you are looking at. Also, I spend more time discussing what trig means and why we use it.
 * Chapter 8 is a short, quick chapter. Applications of trig goes easily when the actual picture is drawn out for them instead of just making a right triangle. I think the students are doing well so far, and have been getting the homework correct.
 * The chapter 8 test went very well. I had several high grades and only a few lower ones. Again, I think focusing on the meaning of trig and why we use it instead of SOH CAH TOA, helped them.