Show me the data

Today I observed a Modeling Math class; this course is meant for students who have completed algebra and geometry, but are not ready for algebra 2.  The textbook is based on investigations and simulations, and students spend a significant portion of their time manipulating data.  The teacher intends for all work to be done in class, unless students are not productive during class, and then they have to finish on their own.  I like that the class started with a real-world problem: bones were discovered that might have belonged to Amelia Earhart.  “Given the lengths of the bones, can we determine if they were hers?”  After discussing the information, it became clear that additional information was needed, such as “what is the relationship between specific bone lengths and overall height?”  The class began an investigation by measuring their own head length and overall height, and recording their group data.  During the next class, they will graph their class data and determine if there is a correlation. 

I am intrigued by this course, and the focus on concrete data.  The teacher said that some students who are successful in her class have never received an A or B in math class, and in her class, they can earn good grades.  I saw one student openly celebrating his high test score “I got a 47 (out of 50): that rocks!”  This class can boost the confidence of students who have struggled in math.  In addition, the material gives the students a solid grasp of data analysis, which then can help them better understand the concepts of algebra 2.  It makes me want to insert concrete data into all of our math classes to help students learn.  

Another instance of relevant data was demonstrated by a teacher who graphed Test Scores as a function of Homework Grades.  No surprise: there was a strong positive correlation between students who did all their homework and high test grades.  But showing the students these data may give them food for thought when they are considering whether they have time to do their math homework on any given night.