Reflections on Learning

My action research significantly impacted my understanding of students' learning

process. Before the study, I believed students needed independent practice to understand a topic.

During my search, I witnessed numerous aha moments. Students who did not understand my

explanation on the board were now grasping the concepts after talking and questioning their

peers. Thus my action research allowed me to see how students can learn by discussing.

Moreover, it helped me understand how talking helps students feel heard and part of the class

and, thus, are more open to trying to learn math.

My action research also allowed me to witness students' ability to take the driver's seat in

their learning as they learn from each other through student-led discussions. That is, the teacher

is not the only source of knowledge in the room the students can learn from. I used to think I was

the only one that could tell students their answers were correct or answer their questions as they

completed the task. My study, however, showed me how wrong I was. Students can become

explainers and take pride in taking such a role. I remember how proud one of my English

Learners was when he was the explainer to students already fluent in English. As he explained to

them in Spanish, I could see how happy he was now that he was being listened to and could

show his math skills. My action research also enlightened me on the kind of support students

with an IEP need. When students with IEP realized that someone would do the explaining and

that it was okay to express confusion, they seemed less intimidated by the task. Also, the

explainer would find different ways of explaining as they completed the assignment, making

them feel more capable of finishing it and thus participate as the rest of their peers.
 The most enlightening aspect of my action research was the quality of the explanations

student elaborated as they practiced revoicing. Students showed me the ability to explain

concepts and processes to each other in different ways. I listened to many good explanations that

I would use them myself. The creative ways to explain a topic helped students who tended to

need one-to-one support from me. Thus, my research helped found a technique I can use to

provide all students access to the material.

An unexpected finding of my study was that revoicing positively impacts students'

confidence. Thus, it showed me collaborating with others through discussion allows students to

feel more confident in their math skills. Mathematics has been challenging historically for many

students. So, this finding is especially significant. Often students give up believing they do not

have the abilities to succeed. Learning math involves exploring and making mistakes. Thus,

having confidence is essential for students. In conclusion, my action research helped me find

activities my students find more beneficial as they learn mathematics.