Welcome to MC² MathLab, a model of summer professional learning that simulates authentic classroom practice for teachers. We move professional learning from the theoretical realm into a real classroom setting where participants experience all the successes and challenges of implementing innovative practice. Please provide us with your thoughts regarding the following questions and/or any other comments/questions.

• This model is worth replicating because it enhances teacher practice. What changes in teacher instructional practice are most pressing in your school/district? How might MathLab help you address these?
• MathLab also provides an excellent outreach/networking opportunity. What are ways best practices are shared in your school/district?

Thank you!

The MC² Team

MathLab is an intentional and systemic design that brings together curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning. MathLab addresses these four elements by providing an experience for teachers that models ways to promote a rich classroom environment for conceptual mathematics learning.

Hi, thanks for your video, it was fun to watch and it seems like you have created a great space for students to learn math and to learn about learning math.

We are just starting a similar program and are looking for ways to measure success. Can you share a bit more about the instruments you are using in your research? What surveys, interview or observational protocols are you using? Where could I look to find out more about this aspect of your work/

Thanks!

Hi, Mac,

We administered a pre-, post-, and post-post-survey evaluating teacher understanding of various pedagogical strategies. The pre-survey was conducted before Summer MathLab started, the post was given immediately after MathLab, and the post-post-survey data was gathered six months later. Our research shows that as a result of MathLab, teachers reported greater implementation once the school year began. In addition, we conducted a random sampling of classroom observations. Analysis of the data also indicated greater implementation of strategies learned during the summer professional learning once we implemented the MathLab model. Before MathLab, teachers rated our professional development very high; however, we saw little change in classroom practice as the result. Additional information may be found on our website at this link: https://mc2.nmsu.edu/research-impact/2016-2017-executive-summary/

Thank you!

Thanks for sharing this exciting work! I am interested to learn more about the design of the MathLab experience, especially how you've orchestrated the simultaneous learner and teacher activity. Is there a place to read or see more about this?

Thanks!
Susan

Wow. This is a really innovative structure for professional learning. Teachers being able to plan effectively and have support to plan for learning experiences similar to MathLab is a challenge we face in my district. I'm interested in (1) the how the teachers are supported throughout the school year to craft these engaging learning experiences for their students and (2) how the leaders that attended the summer PD used what they learned to support teaching and learning.

Thanks

Thank you so much for your detailed response! So many awesome ideas.

This looks like a great idea. Have you thought about how to scale it to be used in other locations? Are the materials you used, available to others? You live streamed the students so that other teachers can get PD. Were those recorded so that teachers not involved in the program can watch them? Is it too early for you to see how the students involved in this program do in future classes? Do you plan to see how they are doing?

Several of you have commented on the video streaming aspect of MathLab. Here's a quick summary of how the technology works:

MC² collaborates with Creative Media Institute (CMI), a partnering NMSU department. CMI faculty act as videographer supervisors and help facilitate the filming of MathLab. Local high school videography students are hired and trained on location to shoot the week-long experience. Each MathLab location has multiple camera setups which include:

• Small high definition (HD) camera
• Audio output with two separate inputs: 1) mic worn by teacher 2) optional floating "lollipop" type mic (which students did not recognize as an actual mic), handheld mic (which students saw as a real mic and actually used), and/or conference mic (for whole room/table/"fishbowl" teacher debriefing sessions)
• Wireless HD transmission signal: Camera transmits video to wireless receiver which then transmits through a wired HDMI cable to the projector in the teacher viewing room
• Projector, screen, and external speakers in viewing room

Great project. The combination of teacher development and research is really cool. Have you thought of bringing this approach to introductory undergraduate science courses, with a particular focus on math and quantitative skills- its really needed

Hi all-

I'm here following Terri Sainz's comment on our thread, glad you found us Terri! My question for you is: what's your plan to disseminate findings? What conferences are you looking at? (Maybe AERA 2020?) Have you found any that have alignment to professional development for math teachers in rural areas? We are keeping our ears open for publication over at SyncOn. Glad to learn more about your project!

-Kristana

Hi Wanda, Kathe, and team. Great work! After learning about your project last year, it was great to understand more about the MC2 model and MathLabs through your video. I know you have chose to use a videographer to live stream classroom video for other teachers to observe. I'm wondering if you've ever tried using Swivel with up to five camera set ups for small groups. I'm curious mostly because I imagine the small group discourse is fascinating, but you can probably only see one group at a time with the videographer. Looking forward to connecting again soon.

Hi Kirsten,

Terri and I are replying to your post since Wanda is on the road. She was really excited about your swivl suggestion! We're already pricing out the equipment to pilot during this summer's MathLab.

Glad you came across our video and shared your idea,

Kathe and Terri