Report #4
FIPP Activity Report
Funded by the Basic Skills Initiative
Name Bonnilee Kaufman
Date December 2009
FIPP Partner Vivian Nemie
Section #4242
Activity /Strategy Goal Setting
Category Setting Classroom Expectations
Briefly describe the activity/strategy.
1. Introduction talked about goal setting & how every day brings us closer to what
it is we strive for…and, how important it is to consciously and continuously
remind ourselves of our goals, lest we give up when situations become difficult/
overwheming…
2. Set up & Supplies paper & colored pencils provided
3. Directions incorporating all aspects of your life, draw where you are today, Dec.
3, 2009 in terms of relationships, finances, school, employment,etc and where
you hope to be one year from now, on Dec. 3, 2010.
4. Conclusion sharing their drawings/thoughts/aspirations; a few students chose to
share their thoughts without engaging in the drawing
What worked well? I was pleasantly surprised that the majority of individuals were willing
to put aside their math work for a bit, and become truly engrossed in the activity- with or
without artistic talent.
What would you change? the students wanted me to collect their drawings (perhaps
because they are so used to teacher feedback?), but next time I would encourage them
to take them home & hang them up as a personal reminder
Would you use the activity/strategy again? Why or why not? Yes.--because even within
the anonymity of a math class, there are 'real people' struggling with issues and/or
experiencing small successes, and they seem to welcome the opportunity to voice
these things-- an empathetic sharing occurs, that is important to us all
Please describe any student learning outcomes/changes that you observed after the
implementation of the activity/strategy. It is important to be aware that sometimes it is the
very tedium we 'choose to' deal with, that is actually bringing us closer to our
dreams/goals, ie: paying bills, coping with relationship angst, completing homework,
studying for tests, etc--how all that can be used toward a positive end---believe me, I am
learning too.