I am still working on providing students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching. I tried my problem-based learning lesson plan that I created for last week. I teach a PSSA prep class to 11th graders who are struggling to score proficient on the PSSA’s. So this week, instead of given them an actual paper/pencil test, I made them complete a project using all the concepts we discussed. They could work with a partner or by themselves and they had to complete their final project using Microsoft Word. I provided the students with a rubric I created and then I left them go from there. I am thrilled at the final projects these students are turning into me to be graded. I am going to keep this idea in the back of mind as all of my students were on task and engaged in the project at hand. Very successful lesson!
As of right now, I do not think I am ready to set new goals for myself. I feel as if I have not explored enough different options for my current goals. I have implemented a new way for assessing the students through a project and clickers; and I have also had my class create a personal blog for reflection. However, a statement that sticks in my mind is to give the students choices. I do not feel I have fulfilled that task. Just trying one new teaching style is not enough for me. I would like to get maybe one more in each category so then it would give the students some options.
I have learned that students love to work on computers. Therefore, when I try to implement new assessments and reflection strategies, I am going to try my hardest to incorporate the computer. Students are asking me everyday, “are we going to blog today?” I love the fact that they are so eager to blog but I also do not want blogging to loose its spark with the students. I try to get them to blog once a week. I felt that once a week would not wear out its welcome! This is the biggest piece I have learned so far and again, that is the more technology I can incorporate the more interested, motivated, and engaged my students are.
I am going to try more problem-based learning lessons with my students as I have found they very much enjoy them and they do a fabulous job at it. Although it does take a little more time to plan and prepare for, it is very beneficial for the students and very rewarding to me to see them succeed!
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What exactly is the PSSA's? Is that a state standardized test of some sort? How much time would you say that you devoted to creating such a project that you described in your opening paragraph? Beginning from scratch, I am curious to know the time spent on creating all aspects of what you would consider a successful, resourceful project. Thanks
ReplyDeleteKevin
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that things are still going as planned. Finally, things are going that way for me too. I hope things continue on this path.
Tiffany
I love the fact that students are asking you if they are "going to blog today"! Anything that gets students excited about learning is a wonderful thing. You are so right about not overdoing it, though. If they blog too often, it will lose some of its "charm" and you will be looking for another way to motivate them. I would also recommend that, if you blog weekly, make it a different day each week. Keep them guessing!
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you used your varied forms of assessment with some of your lower students. Sometimes I think about using more technology with my lower students, but I always worry that I might have too many behavior issues or that the students won't take the lesson seriously. However, I need to realize that the students aren't doing great the way I am teaching it now! Basically I have nothing to lose. Sometimes I think that I have to just try it to see what happens. Your posting has inspired me!
Thanks, Tyler