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Mrs. Becker from Troy, MI is requesting technology through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Mastering a Culture of Collaboration

My students need flexible seating options to provide them with an organic way of collaborating and learning.

  • $355 goal

This project expired on November 10, 2016.

This project expired on November 10, 2016.

Classroom photo
Mrs. Becker profile photo
Mrs. Becker Baker Middle School
Troy, MI Grades 6-8

My Students

My math 7 class is a place where students are given the opportunity to make their own choices in a collaborative environment of self-discovery. Through a mastery-based approach students are challenged to prove 90% understanding on all topics through an iterative process designed to teach them metacognition, critical thinking, and self-reflection.

As a teacher in a Title One Focus School, my students abilities have quite the range.

Having such a large discrepancy between my highest and lowest students provides a challenge to reach each of them at their own level. Through the mastery classroom I am able to customize an Algebra program for each individual child. They are able to move at their own pace when they are ready, not when dictated by the curriculum. This provides rich opportunities for students to practice the material and scaffold through collaboration with other students.

My Project

Last year, I set my classroom tables up in groups. My original plan of this setting up the room this way was to allow students to easily move seats around to communicate and collaborate with other students when they were having trouble on an assignment. This seat layout, however, proved to have many constraints that I wasn’t expecting. While I did find that students collaborated with one another at their own tables, they never branched out and switched groups. There aren't many options for students when you're given tables and chairs. Teaching is such an ever-changing, evolving profession - why are we allowing our students and teachers to be confined to a specific type of seating that they may not feel comfortable learning in?

Giving students the freedom of choice using flexible seating options will encourage students to develop the skills of perspective, application, explanation, and self-knowledge.

Using the podiums students will have the opportunity to move their standing desks around the room for grouping. The pillows will be used for desks that are on the floor, and will create learning "pods" where students can gather together to learn and collaborate.

I strongly believe that redesigning my classroom using flexible seating options paired with incorporating elements of mastery learning will allow students the opportunity to collaborate and discuss their ideas in a more organic nature. A properly designed classroom environment will push students to change their behavior toward a more collaborative approach that will nourish 21st century skills.

I would love to start off the year with a new space! It is sure to revolutionize the way students think of a "traditional" math class. No longer will we have boring lectures where everyone sits in rows – bring on the communication and collaboration choices!

120 students impacted
Mrs. Becker Baker Middle School Grades 6-8 Troy, MI View local requests 120 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Coaster Home Furnishings 800483 Laptop Stand with Casters, Black • Amazon Business $50.59 4 $202.36
[SET OF 2] 18"W X 18"L Mybecca Hypoallergenic Pillow Insert White Polyester, Made in USA • Amazon Business $12.99 5 $64.95

Materials cost

$267.31

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.01

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$301.32

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$53.17

Total project goal

$354.49

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Becker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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