A Mirror to Yourself

This week, I had the chance to sit in on a Grade 7 mathematics class, and it reminded me why I love observing lessons just as much as teaching them.

The topic was the area and perimeter of composite shapes. The teacher began with a quick warm-up. Students sketched the outline of a park combining rectangles, triangles, and semicircles. It was simple, creative, and instantly set the tone for a problem-solving mindset.

What stood out most was the way the teacher balanced structure with freedom. There was a clear learning path, step-by-step guidance, and a checklist for formulas. However, within that framework, students were encouraged to choose their own dimensions, name their park, and even add fun elements like fountains or playgrounds.

I noticed a few things

Student ownership builds engagement. When the task felt “theirs,” they were more invested in solving it.

Quick peer check-ins caught mistakes early and boosted confidence.

Real-world framing matters. Framing the lesson as “designing a park” turned formulas into tools, not hurdles.

I loved how the teacher used a large printed grid map for groups to design and measure together. This can be recreated using a shared Google Jam board or geometry tool for digital collaboration.

As I left the classroom, I thought about how observation is like holding up a mirror to our own practice. You see strategies that inspire you, gaps that challenge you, and small touches you want to borrow.

Comments

My Thoughts on AI in Student Learning

Recently, I’ve been noticing how frequently AI appears in classrooms and learning apps . It’s exciting, a little overwhelming, and definitely something worth talking about. As a teacher, researcher, and lifelong learner, I keep asking myself , is AI really helping students, or is it making them too dependent? The Bright Side But Still....... ?????????

Handling Criticism Constructively

If I’m being honest, I used to hear the word criticism and immediately brace for impact. My heart would race, my brain would go on defense mode, and all I could think was, “Oh no… what did I do wrong?” Criticism doesn’t have to crush you. In fact, if you can handle it constructively, it can become your best teacher. Here’s the framework that helped me turn feedback from a personal attack into a professional upgrade. But over the years, especially through teaching, research, and plenty of presentations, I’ve learned something important: The 5-Step Calm Response Framework Pause - Separate - Ask - Decide - Reflect Pause Before Reacting When someone gives you feedback, your first job is not to respond; it’s to breathe. Literally. Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 4. This little pause stops you from blurting something defensive and helps you actually hear what’s being said. “Let me hear this fully before deciding what i...

5E Model in Math Lessons

The 5E model is a simple way to structure math lessons so students don’t just memorize formulas, but actually explore, question, and discover the beauty of mathematics.

Dals blog

Search This Blog