Week 11 Reflection

          To begin this week, we had our final math strand presentations, specifically about fractions, decimals and percent.  My classmate used fractions for his presentation and showcased a very useful online tool from "abcya.com" that we could use in our teaching blocks.  This tool allowed us to place digital fraction strips together, ranging up to tenths.  In this activity we used it to compare fractions to determine which fractions were greater, and provide a visual reference when adding fractions.  I had never heard of this site before, but I definitely intend to use it during my teaching block as it provides a more engaging alternative to paper fractions strips despite being very similar activities.

          Following our presentations, we turned our attention towards assessment in math, with particular reference to the importance of the for/as/of learning model.  A couple points that I found particularly useful/important were the use of self-assessment, and the use of pre-class diagnostic assessment.  Self-assessment is essential in a theory heavy class like math, as it can be hard for student to visualize exactly where they should be at certain points in the unit.  An example I have seen both in class and used in my structured experience days has been the use of success criteria checklists.  At the end of each week my teacher provides students with a checklist of all the criteria they've been given and are asked to fill it out themselves to compare to what the teacher has observed.  This ensures she keeps on top of where her students are and identifying areas she needs to revisit before doing summative assessment.  With pre-class diagnostic assessments, a setup like the video we watched in class with a teacher using a "warmup" activity/question is already being planned for me during my teaching block where I will be using QR codes to scan and have students answer questions quickly for me.  I intend to use this as a "check in" so I can shape the lessons moving forward for the unit to tailor towards what students need most, and ensure that when reviewing for tests etc.  I am helping myself be as efficient as possible by only reviewing concepts students are struggling with. 

          When I was in elementary there was much less of a focus on these variations of assessment, with a lot of assessment being focused on "of" learning (typically in the form of tests).  It makes me think about how much more effectively I could have understood the math topics I struggled with if I was able to identify precisely which areas I needed improvement on.  Students won't always know what they don't know, so providing transparent opportunities to sit down and think about each individual expectation can make the teaching process much more effective.

If nothing else, the most important point I can take away from today is the principles of assessment, which provided a framework for me to use to ensure I am giving the fairest chance that I can to all of my students at all opportunities to show me what they know.

Brock University. (2017). EDUC 8P29 Week 11. [Class Notes].  



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