When Perseverance Pays Off

Our high schools are committed to taking the integrated path with the first three courses and since the middle schools will be teaching these courses, I'm part of the team building the units.  I've been piloting the curriculum by the folks from Utah and, for the most part, I like it.  I'm particularly enjoying the learning cycle they employ:  Develop Understanding, Solidify Understanding and Practice Understanding, mostly because it's pretty easy to discuss with the majority of teachers.

This task was at the beginning of a learning cycle.

Source: Mathematics Vision Project

I had a student, H,  come to me before class and say, "Mr. Cox, I spent like three hours on problem 3 last night.  I couldn't quite get it."

During class, students worked with their groups and started presenting solutions.  As I approach H's group, she gives a high-five to the student next to her.

Me: "What's that about?"

H: "We figured it out!  I get it now."  Then she shows me her solution.

"Feels nice, huh?"

"Yeah, I think I'm gonna cry."

Me too, H.  Me too.