So why do it?

I know, I know... you're saying but I do use assessments, they tell me if a kid knows something or not. But my stand is, what if they don't know how to do it, where did they begin to show a gap, how will I help this student understand? As adults, we like to know what we're doing right, how we can improve our learning, and know that we can get support if needed. It's the same with the students in our class.

The issue with testing (evaluation) and assessment, according to Grant Wiggins (link for website of interview is included), is that testing is a very small part of assessment, and really only gives a snap-shot of the child at that time (think EQAO). It has a role play, but as Wiggins states "a test is like an audit. You don't run your business for an audit" One of my favourite things he says is " You don't want just the snapshot. You want the whole family album" And my add-on is "warts and all"
On-going assessment for different reasons, gives us that whole picture of how the student learns, where there are misconceptions in their learning, and where do we need to plan and design our lessons to best support all our students.

Interview with Grant Wiggins-http://www.edutopia.org/grant-wiggins-assessment#graph1

Assessment For Learning

So what the heck is assessment For learning, we ask ourselves? We have often heard it referred to as Formative assessment. Formative assessment is not an instrument or event, but a collection of practices with a common feature: they all improve learning in some way! (Jan Chappuis 2004, p.4).
As teachers, we are always gathering data and evidence on our students, and this type of assessment gives us a real insight into how our students are learning, and how we can push their thinking, or support them in a concept. Some of the most powerful information gathered from assessment for learning are stated in Chappuis's book "Seven Strategies of Assessment for Learning" They are under three headings and are as follows:

• Where am I going?
• Strategy 1: Give students a clear understanding of the learning target
•       Strategy 2: Use examples of strong and weak work
• Where am I now?
• Strategy 3: Offer regular feedback
• Strategy 4: Teach students to self-assess and set goals (self-regulation)
• How can I close the gap?
• Strategy 5: Lessons are designed to focus on one learning goal or aspect of quality at a time
• Strategy 6: Teach students focused revision (or going back to check their work in math)
• Strategy 7: Students self-reflect, as well as sharing their learning and learning from others.
• http://www.assessmentinst.com/author/jan-chappuis/

The book is full of great strategies to use, but the main idea is that we are focused in our lessons because we know what the students need!
More next time!

Assessment-Prior Learning

Hi all,

Our discussion begins with assessing what the students know. Why use this type of assessement? As you know, our students arrive in our classrooms with a variety of skills and abilities. We ask ourselves daily (if not hourly), how can I teach to all their needs?
One way is to test their prior knowledge. There are a variety of ways you can do this (and we are the professionals in the class, so choose a way that works for you and your students).
Some ideas:

• Manipulatives: If you are working on place value, you could give ten frames, base ten blocks, etc and have the students show what they do with them anecdotal records can be taken on students math processing and communication
• Grafitti activity-    students write down on chart paper all that they know about a concept (what I know about measurement, fractions etc) Post these so that the students can see what each other know
• Conferencing- This will allow teachers to probe students in their math thinking, to clarify ideas, challenge their ideas if misconceptions are evident, as well as push the students to math concepts they are ready to explore.

These are just a few ways to complete a diagnostic assessment with your students. It would be fantastic if you could add to these ideas.
Next time: Assessment For Learning (Now we're cooking with gas!)
PS- The book is Seven Strategies of Assessment For Learning by Jan Chappuis

Welcome

Dear Teachers,

Welcome to the new math blog. This is aimed at teachers who teachElementary math and would like to share thoughts, ideas or general comments. The next post will be looking at and discussing how Assessment helps our students. Can't wait to share!

E