This week we are talking about effective assessment strategies in Math. It is important to note that when talking about assessment it is always important to refer to the Growing Success ministry document. This document states that the purpose of assessment is to improve student learning thus assessment must be purposeful and must serve to benefit a student's learning progress.
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However, Pat stated that it is important to phrase comments in a way that encourages, rather than discourages the student. As such we engaged in an exercise whereby we got to view student work and assess their strengths, challenges and wonderings. Acknowledging strengths is important for students because they will not feel discouraged and pointing out challenges allow teachers to plan learner-specfic tasks. Wonderings allow for the teacher to provide instant feed back to the student in a manner that encourages them to continue developing their skills. For ex
ample: "I like the way you started...can you explain.'' Finally, it is through understanding the challenges, strengths and wondering that a teacher can write effective feedback to the student. As Pat and the Growing Success document stress it is important to provide ongoing and relevant assessment to students. This means ensuring that you are creating opportunities for assessment for learning, assessment as learning and assessment of learning–all at different stages of the learning process and all should be connected to learning goals and success criteria.
Their can be a variety of assessment tools and strategies that a teacher can employ. For example an assessment tool can be a specific application such as Wuzzit trouble and Dragon Box. These apps are very interesting because they can be very engaging for students, but they are also created in a way that engages students with the Math. This tool can be used as a self-assessment by the student to monitor progress and areas of improvement. Also there is a reporting tool available in the apps whereby teacher's are given information on student's progress. Below I have attached a video of an explanation of the apps. Finally, Patt provided us with a checklist for ourselves as we are providing ongoing feedback during the learning cycling. I think this is a very important tool to have because it reminds teachers that assessment is purposeful.
Work Cited
"Clipart." (2012). Social Brite. Google Images, n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://www.socialbrite.org/2012/11/06/tools-to-improve-your-online-fundraising/>
Lesson 6h. Perf. HTML Course. Youtube, 12 July 2014. Web. 16 Oct. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY7poNmNk4o&feature=youtu.be>.
McEachren, Pat et al. A Checklist for Planning Feedback During Learning. Digital image. Sakai. N.p., 16 Oct. 2016. Web. 2016.<https://lms.brocku.ca/access/lessonbuilder/item/33619208/group/EDBE8P54D12FW2016LEC001/Week%206/A%20Checklist%20for%20Planning%20Feedback%20During%20Learning.pdf>.
Hey Erlisa,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your Blog post this week. I specifically like how you mentioned that if a student isn't understanding, we need to change our practices as teachers! This is so true. I think we need to "Self-Assess" ourselves so that we can develop ways to teach and create positive , learning experiences for our students. This could include adding manipulatives, using games, using technology, etc. In addition, I like how you stated that referring to "Growing Success" is vital when we assess. This document helps us divide our assessments into manageable areas and then create descriptive feedback that follows. Together, I think we can assist a students learning if we use a balance of formative and descriptive feedback when we assess. Great post!
Hi Erlisa,
ReplyDeleteI like how you pointed out focusing on the students strengths. We need to encourage our students and acknowledging strengths then pointing out something like "wonderings" can encourage them to continue to improve. The "leave comments not grades" was something I thought was very interesting. It's interesting to think that something so simple as giving solid feedback is much more important, especially since marks are such a focus within our society.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Erlisa,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I also think that it’s so important to reflect on our teaching practices as educators to ensure student understanding. I think the “leave the comments, not grades” is a really powerful message. Descriptive feedback provides students with more opportunities to reflect, set goals and improve on their own learning than grades do. I am very interested to maybe try this out in a classroom. I also agree with you that positive wording is key when it comes to providing student feedback. The more positive we are, the more likely students are to remain engaged and want to improve upon their learning. If we use negative language that discourages our students, they may shut down when receiving feedback, which can prevent them from improving their learning.
Thanks for sharing!
Yet another great post Erlisa! I love how you demonstrated the usefulness of the course with concrete examples and how you connected it all to the Growing Success document! We must always remember the goal of feedback to ensure we provide students with the next steps they can take to improve without discouraging them! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteErlisa, you have thought deeply to connect the online modules, readings and weekly class work with your personal experiences. Your posts are clear and engaging. I can see that you have incorporated all of your new pedagogy and skills into your plans for teaching math.
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