Power of protocols in math class

Protocols and structures can be a powerful way to help students do things with guidance that they might struggle to do at first and a good way to help meet the goals of a lesson or unit. They can be a stepping stone for both teachers and students to something more organic. I think protocols should be subject to modification to meet the needs of the students and the class. They can be thought of as evolving. Some protocols are developed by both the teacher and the students together. Those are my favorite because they become a structure and ordered way of accomplishing something owned by the community of learners in the classroom.

Here is a protocol to help students get started and go deeper in noticing things:

1. Display focal point of protocol (student work, math task, Do Now, activity, geometric figure, etc)
2. Write - Have students write down what they notice or wonder about the item, at least five things (more if there are more than five groups in the room)
3. Pairs - Students compare with their partner what they observed
4. Square - Pairs share with other pairs
5. Whole class - call out a spokesperson for each group such as the student in each group who sits closest to the back door or the student who sits closest to the window and the back of the room, then each spokesperson shares one noticing or wondering that has not been shared by another group
6. Group solving - each group solves a question either to answer one of their own questions or a question that you give them
7. Reflect - ask class what went well and what needs to be modified in the protocol

When using any protocol for the first time it will often not be perfect. That is okay. That does not mean the protocol will not work or that the students cannot handle it or that it is too complicated. It is worth reflecting on though and trying to make better. It is also worth observing if it created any positive changes.

It can also be good to think about how this process informs good teacher collaboration within and across departments.