Expectations

My calc kids work a new MC packet together with their groups every Tuesday, and one on their own every Thursday. First hour started their packet today and it was rough at first. Halfway through the class, no group was even close to halfway through the packet. “Are we allowed to skip some, Mrs. P?”

“No!” I barked back, but inwardly wondered if I had pushed them too hard right after spring break.

And then magic.

All of sudden they started flying through the questions, working in their groups to produce beautiful explanations (I give the answers, so they have to show the work). Some even finished before the bell; most just had 2-3 left for homework.

I usually cringe when people say “Just keep your expectations high and kids will rise to that level!” I get the sentiment, but…(a) that’s a very simple view of a very complex task and (b) that completely eliminates personalization. But I digress.

In this case, I’m so glad I stuck to my guns. (I think that’s the correct idiom?) They did rise to my expectations and showed they’re determined to keep pushing, even when their teacher throws a difficult packet their way…

*****

My Precalc “Tuesday Tips” today was on car and home loans. I love this one. The kids asked *the* best questions: “So what happens if you move before you’ve paid off your loan?” “Can you pay extra each month? Where does that money go?”

We looked at the difference between a 15-year and a 30-year loan. I’m certain their jaws dropped behind those masks when I showed them the divergence over 30 years. I don’t know if any of my financial advice sticks, but I love these discussions regardless. I love when math becomes an invaluable tool.