#TMC14 Interactive Notebooks

Presented by Jonathan Claydon

Structure

• Color each class with colored duct tape on the spine.
• Manila folder pocket in back notebook to keep assessments
• Write grading scale on pocket
• Track progress throughout year, first attempt, second attempt; two 4's equals a sticker
• The level of organization  is up to you, match your notebook to YOUR style 
• Flips the culture of the class to everyone is doing something
• Let's them use them on tests to motivate ownership
• Students use their genius to hide their lack of skills: literacy, organization, note taking, etc. We can unlock the "mystery" of note-taking and organizing for students through interactive notebooks.

Grades

• 10% notebook
• 20% problem sets, class work; makeshift spreadsheet on clipboard, checks more than one thing at a time
• 10% projects
• 60% tests
• Health inspection: Shake test, check assessments, check tracking sheet
• Can grade during tests 
• Spot check: choose a few problem towards the end of an assignment and write answers under a time limit
• First notebook check is usually the worseNotebook checks are not up for reassessment 

Take Them Home? HW?

• Doesn't give homework
• Subscribed to the idea that math is done better with people to bounce ideas of
• Goal is more student engagement, not necessarily 100%

Storage

• 16 quart tubs from Target
• Holds over 30 notebooks 
• Each tub has same color of tape as notebooks per period
• Usually one student per group gets the notebooks for the group

Don't Have It?

• Mostly they keep it in the room because they don't have homework and they can use them on tests
• On the off chance they don't have it, they usually create their own system by borrowing paper and adding it in to the notebook

Logistics

• Can create handouts in the notebook more than running off handouts
• Do we send the message that everything of value has to come from us?
• Print half pages
• Have students write more than you print
• Students can work problems on whiteboard and then chose 3-4 to record in the notebook
• Condense your old handouts by deleting space because they have space in the notebooks
• Supplies needed: scissors, glue sticks, clear tape, staples; check bulkofficesupply.com

Absences

• Keep extra copies 
• Check their notebook if you know they were there for the activity
• With unpredictable absences, it's hard to micromanage
• Organize hanging file or crate
• Put extra copy in absent student's notebook