Good Morning, Miss Toliver, 1993

School Science and Mathematics, Feb 1998 by McDonald, Jacqueline

Good Morning, Miss Toliver, 1993 Length: 27 minutes

This video is an introduction to the dynamic classroom created by Kay Toliver. She is interviewed about her perspectives on teaching and learning. She also narrates portions of the classroom segments, commenting and explaining her actions and her desires. Interviews with individual students highlight the impact these classroom experiences and Toliver are having on their lives. All of these are woven together to present an entrancing video montage.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Professional Standards are well reflected. Each video clip of a classroom scene shows students engaged in "worthwhile" tasks. Discourse is reflected in a variety of ways: small groups working on problems, class discussions of possible solutions and strategies, and journal writings where each student reflects on and discusses some aspect of the days' lesson. Tools are shown in almost every lesson segment, with an emphasis on inexpensive and easily available models. The learning environment is emphasized by the powerful level of support and respect shown to each student. Finally, analysis of teaching and learning is reflected in the interviews with Toliver and her students and in the class discussions.