Week 3: Post 1
This article was about closing achievement gaps and the inefficiency of certain types of testing. The importance of making and learning mistakes is clearly evident in teaching. In my classroom, I have a quote posted on the wall that says, “Mistakes are gifts.” I focus on each student doing their personal best. Each student’s personal best may be different and focusing on ourselves is the key. I feel that we learn best when we have made a mistake and then find a different or better solution.
I agree with the article about student involvement being important in the assessment process, however, as a kindergarten teacher it is difficult to apply. Students are not able to critique and understand assessment in general and how they can learn from it at such a young age. However, I think it is a valuable tool, and I would like to use my assessments to focus more on the growth a child has had, rather than discussing just what they need to work on. This will be a goal of mine next fall.
Motivation is necessary because it energizes students to be focused learners. A great motivation for a lesson would be showing a video on a related topic of discussion. For example, watching an ocean video about sea turtles during an ocean unit. My students love anything digital and they are so focused whenever I do or show something digitally. We often play games using Osmo on the tv, and my students love to figure different combinations of numbers on the Osmo Numbers. This is a huge motivator and so much fun to use.
A powerful teaching quote:
“Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.” Charles Kuralt
References
Stiggins, R., & Chappuis, J. (2005). Using Student-Involved Assessment to Close Achievement Gaps.
This article was about closing achievement gaps and the inefficiency of certain types of testing. The importance of making and learning mistakes is clearly evident in teaching. In my classroom, I have a quote posted on the wall that says, “Mistakes are gifts.” I focus on each student doing their personal best. Each student’s personal best may be different and focusing on ourselves is the key. I feel that we learn best when we have made a mistake and then find a different or better solution.
I agree with the article about student involvement being important in the assessment process, however, as a kindergarten teacher it is difficult to apply. Students are not able to critique and understand assessment in general and how they can learn from it at such a young age. However, I think it is a valuable tool, and I would like to use my assessments to focus more on the growth a child has had, rather than discussing just what they need to work on. This will be a goal of mine next fall.
Motivation is necessary because it energizes students to be focused learners. A great motivation for a lesson would be showing a video on a related topic of discussion. For example, watching an ocean video about sea turtles during an ocean unit. My students love anything digital and they are so focused whenever I do or show something digitally. We often play games using Osmo on the tv, and my students love to figure different combinations of numbers on the Osmo Numbers. This is a huge motivator and so much fun to use.
A powerful teaching quote:
“Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.” Charles Kuralt
References
Stiggins, R., & Chappuis, J. (2005). Using Student-Involved Assessment to Close Achievement Gaps.