Standardized Testing

Standardized Testing 

The case against standardized testing: raising the scores, ruining the schools By Alfie Kohn

http://teacherrenewal.wiki.westga.edu/file/view/Testing,+Testing,+Testing.pdf/227207662/Testing,%20Testing,%20Testing.pdf

Standardized testing is a huge topic in all schools. Many students are stressed about taking the exams and doing well. But are the tests a good reflection of how the student is growing in the classroom? Every student is different, so a test should not define how they are doing in school.


SECTION 1: Kinds of Tests

The worst tests that are given are multiple choice tests. Multiple choice tests do not show what a student is able to do. They may get the answer correct, but it does not mean that the student knows the answer. The answer could have just been a guess for all we know. " Students are unable to generate a response; all they can do is recognize one by picking it out of four or five answers provided by someone else. They can't even explain their reasons for choosing the answer they did."

This matters because students are given tests that do not even show the growth in the classroom. The answers are not even based on what the student thinks because they are someone else's words. Students are assessed by a test that does not really even say too much about them. It is a good thing that the tests also include response questions because teachers can assess where their students are at in the classroom. 

For example:"Obviously some sort of remembering, calculating, or thinking has to be done to figure out which answer is "most appropriate," but other sorts of mental operations (such as organizing information or constructing an argument) are pretty much excluded by the format. No matter how clever or tricky the questions are, a multiple-choice test simply "does not measure the same cognitive skills as are measured by similar problems in free-response form," as one expert explained in a now-classic article. The difference between the two formats (which is to say, the limits of multiple-choice questions) really shows up when the idea is to measure "complex cognitive problem-solving skills.""

The takeaways are that teachers should be aware that the standardized tests do not fully assess the students. The students should be tested on the response questions because they write their thoughts and ideas down, rather than picking an answer that is 'most appropriate' or in someone else's words. 

SECTION 2: What the Standardized Tests Cannot Measure.

Standardized tests measure how a student calculates math or how many answers they get correct, but they do not measure creativity, effort, etc. The tests that are given to students do not measure what truly matters, not answers that do not show what a student is really capable of. Students should not be tested on content that they need to memorize, but they should be tested on their conceptual thinking, judgement, etc.

This matters because as educators, we need to make sure that students are creative and put their own twist on assignments to make it theirs. Students should not be tested on the same material because no one is the same. Students should do assignments that require thinking and creativity because they will be more successful in the future. By being creative, students will remember more of the content, rather than memorizing information and then forgetting it after the test is done.

For example, "Beyond their ineffectiveness as assessments, note that the act of administering (and emphasizing the results of) standardized tests can communicate some pointed lessons about the nature of learning. Because there is a premium placed on remembering facts, children may come to think that this is what really matters—and they may even come to develop a "quiz show" view of intelligence that confuses being smart with knowing a lot of stuff. Because the tests are timed, students may be encouraged to see intelligence as a function of how quickly people can do things. Because the tests often rely on a multiple-choice format, students may infer "that a right or wrong answer is available for all questions and problems" in life and that "someone else already knows the answer to [all these questions], so original interpretations are not expected; the task is to find or guess the right answer, rather than to engage in interpretive activity.”"

A takeaway that is important to remember is that students are learning to memorize information that will not be helpful to them in the long run. The information that students need to know should be important to the student and the student needs to find a way, that benefits them, to remember the content by being creative with different strategies. Standardized testing does not show what each of the students is capable of, so we need to find ways to show what our students can do!

Conclusion: How will this impact what you do in the classroom?


This will impact what I do in the classroom by finding different strategies to use with my students to help them take the tests to the best of their abilities. It is my goal to ensure that all the students receive the help that they deserve, not matter what it takes. I want to create strategies that will help the students succeed in the class.

Global Learning

Leadership for Global Leaning

http://www.teachingtimes.com/articles/leadership-global.htm

This article mentions a few topics about Global Learning. It defines what Global Learning is and what the impact is on the students. It is important for educators to know what Global Learning can bring to the class to help the students learn about different cultures.

Section 1: What is Global Learning and Why is it Important?

This section mentions what global learning is. Global learning is exploring the interconnections between people and places around the world. Global learning can help teach students about different cultures and provide them with a visual.

Global Learning is important because it can offer a source of inspiration for teachers and students alike. It is crucial that teachers are inspired so the students can be inspired to learn. Without inspiring or engaging the students, it is going to be tough to instruct the students. "DEA research shows that 80% of teachers feel that thinking about how teaching contributes to making the world a better place motivates them to stay in teaching." Global learning can be a way to ensure that both the teachers and students make a difference in the world.

This article includes some research of what teachers think and how they feel when teaching students about the world. "The same research also showed that 94% of teachers feel that “schools should prepare pupils to deal with a fast-changing and globalized world” yet a third of teachers disagree that the current school system does this."

A takeaway that is important to look at is "Responding to this challenge has implications for three elements of leadership: vision, context and culture. This article looks at each of these in turn then provides pointers for further support for school leaders." Teachers need to include the elements of leadership to show students that it is important to learn and pass on to future generations.

Section 2: What is the Impact of Global Learning?

This article does mention what the impact of global learning is. The article stated, "Global learning has an impact on pupils’ learning and attitudes." The impact on the students will help the students understand what is happening in the world and how to communicate to other people around the world.

It is important that the students are impacted because it will help them later in life. Teachers need to help students understand that they will benefit from global learning because they will use it for the rest of their lives.  

For example, a 2008 Ipsos MORI research with 11-16 year olds found that “global learning has an impact: those who have experienced global learning in school are keen to understand more about the problems in the world, as well as being more likely than average to believe that what they do in their daily lives can affect those in other countries and that people like them have the ability to make a difference. These more informed pupils also appear to be more open to people of different backgrounds than those who have not experienced global learning in school, and more likely than average to say that they try to do things to make the world a better place.”

A takeaway is that those who have experienced global learning in school are keen to understand more about the problems in the world. The reason why this line is important is because students will be able to identify what is happening in the world and they will be able to make a difference. The point of being a teacher is to make a difference. Just imagine if a student's life was impacted because of a teacher, think of how many other people may be impacted.  

Wearable technology in the classroom: what's available and what does it do?

https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2015/jul/28/wearable-technology-classroom-virtual-reality

Section 1:
This article briefly talked about Expeditions. Teachers are using Expeditions, which is a new classroom initiative unveiled by Google in May, 2015. The children used a virtual reality headset to be transported to east China. The article also mentioned that the headset was "literally a folded piece of cardboard with lenses attached – turns a smartphone into a VR viewer". Virtual reality is a great way to have students 'visit' different sites without leaving the classroom. "More than 100 classes have already used it to transport students to places such as Verona in Italy to study Romeo and Juliet and California to explore a coral reef." This is a great way for students to explore different places.

The reason why it is important to look at virtual reality is because this could be a new learning and teaching method that is used in the classroom. Students will be able to see what different cultures celebrate, different foods, etc. Why virtual reality matters is because it could be the next big trend that hits the classroom!

 There has been research that says students are more in engaged with their learning. For example, “The creativity we have seen from teachers, and the engagement from students, has been incredible,” says Google’s Ben Schrom, product manager for Expeditions. The VR head set will help students engage in the topic, which is a struggle for most teachers. This is a great tool that can be used in the classroom.

A takeaway that I came across was that students are more engaged. In most classrooms, engaging the students is difficult task. I think that VR is a great way to keep the students engaged in a topic, but the headset would not be used everyday because it could be a distraction to many of the students. When the students are able to use this tools, they will able to view other countries without leaving the room.

Section 2:

This article also touched on VR wearables and how they are still not a popular tool. The wearables still need to be broken into the costumer market. "VR headsets won’t be available until 2016 – so understanding how they can have an impact in the classroom will take time." Since the headsets were not available, it is hard to say if the VR devices are a great teaching and learning strategy. Some people like the idea of VR devices in the classroom, while others think that it is a distraction from learning. The inventors of the VR devices believe that there is little standing in the way of teachers using these in the classroom.

It is important to make sure that the students are not distracted from their school work. It matters because teachers cannot have students just look at pictures and not be able to explain what they are seeing. There is content behind what they are seeing and without the teacher teaching the content, the students will not learn as much as they should.

There is research that technology can be a distraction. “I do think technology can sometimes be a distraction to learning and I’ve yet to see any real value in wearable technology in school,” says David Andrews, educational consultant and director of Mr. Andrews Online. “I can see real value in Google Expeditions, although I would like to see it in action first. It could potentially be a stimulus for learning, promoting spoken language, leading on to creative writing projects in lots of different subjects — geography, history, science and so on.”  There is a value in VR, but there will be challenges that need to be overcome in the classroom.

A takeaway is that VR technology is a useful tool to study different cultures, but it could be a distraction in the class. Students need to focus on their work, while they find more resources that contain more information. There is a value in VR, but teachers need to make sure that it is used properly, which is to promote student learning.

Will Online Learning Replace the Classroom?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/avi-yashchin/will-online-learning-repl_b_4935348.html

Section 1: The Benefits of Online Learning

It is no secret that the classroom is a place to learn. But what happens when online learning becomes a big part in the classroom? There are benefits that comes with online learning, such as, affordability, convenience, accessibility, customization, and preparation. This article provides the ways that students benefit from the use on online learning. It explains in depth each of the benefits to give a better understanding to online learning.

"Allowing students to take courses on their own time, at their own pace, online learning systems are far more convenient than their in-person counterparts. Forums and online communities built around courses add to the usability of these distance education programs." Giving students time to work at their own pace with benefit their grades in the long run. The reason why it is important to look at online learning is because of the students. The students will able to work at their own pace and be able to better their learning. The most important thing is the students. As teachers that is our main focus. 

For example,"Internet-based platforms have empowered us to replace or remotely facilitate many historically interactive processes — like shopping, dating and banking. Attaining an education might be the next frontier for web-based expediency." There are many things that online learning can promote, like the interactive processes. The Internet is a powerful tool, which the students need to be aware of. 

What we can takeaway as educators is that there are many benefits that online learning can offer students. Students can access the work that is done in class and work at their own pace. As educators, we need to look for different things that will benefit our students' learning, which online education is a good option. 

Section 2: Traditionalists vs. Innovators

Are you the type of person that uses technology to communicate with others or do you communicate face-to-face? 

When is it okay to be a traditionalist or an innovator? The answer is there needs to be a mix in the classroom. Students need to explore new ideas to help their learning progress. This article also provides the different ways to help students mature in their learning to help them be successful in their futures. 

"Schools have always been centers for both innovation and tradition. Educational delivery is most likely to blend both in-person and online learning, but ultimately it is up to the success of the innovators and the preferences of young learners as they mature into college students, job-seekers and professionals."

For example, “The lessons from any number of industries teach us that those that truly innovate — fundamentally transforming the model, instead of just incorporating the technology into established methods of operation — will have the final say.” This shows us that there is more than just incorporating technology into methods. 

We can takeaway that success of the innovators and the preferences of young learners as they mature into college students, job-seekers and professionals is because of educational delivery. As educators we need to have our students' best interests at heart. 

In conclusion, this article provides the benefits of online technology and what it can offer to the classroom. The main thing is that teachers need to focus on the students' learning to help them better their learning!

Emerging Technologies

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1RGhe_PmXtwX3JXUVBVbVUxLWc/view
Development #1: Robotics_________________________

·     

   Record two interesting quotations from this section:

• Robotics is also increasing access to education for students who are homebound or live in rural communities.

• Another area where robotics has demonstrated success is administering special education, specifically for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

 Write a complete paragraph that highlights the insights and implications to your practice.

The use of robotics is an interesting topic. In my practice, I would love to have robotics to help the students in my class who need extra help. Robotics is a great way to get students engaged and encourage them to invent and prototype. In addition to engaging with robots, children are learning vital computer science skills as they program them. The students would be learning the STEM curriculum, which will better their learning for their futures. I think that it is crucial that students know how to work a computer correctly. “Governments around the world are devising STEM education strategies that prioritize the inclusion of robots and robotics activities,” what is a better way to teach students about robotics then in the classroom! I would also use the robotics to help students catch up on work that they missed in school because they were sick. This is a tool that I would love to have in the classroom when I teach my students.   

Development #2: Wearable Technology_________________________

·        

Record two interesting quotations from this section:

• Wearable technologies help users adjust their behaviors to achieve goals. The quantified self movement has led to a number of applications aimed at improving health and performance.

• Many leaders have recognized that wearable technologies and the maker movement provide a gateway to increase girls’ interest in STEM disciplines.

 Write a complete paragraph that highlights the insights and implications to your practice.

I think that having wearable technology is a great way to help students set goals in the classroom. I would use wearable technology in the classroom to teach the STEM curriculum. I think that it is a great way students to interact with the technology and be able to set goals for themselves. There is little movement in the classroom, but if the students set the goals, as a teacher, I would try to help them achieve those goals and have more movement in the classroom. Another interesting fact is that wearable technology helps, “Educators to harness the networked power of wearables to teach students about their role in the global community.” It is important to teach students their role in the world so they can do their best to fulfill that role.   

Flipped Classrooms

1.      Title of Article: The Flipped Class: Myths vs. Reality

2.     Link to Article: http://www.thedailyriff.com/articles/the-flipped-class-conversation-689.php

As I read through this article, I found a lot of interesting facts which made me understand the true meaning of a flipped classroom. I heard of the term flipped classroom before, but I did not know what it was supposed to look like. One thing that I discovered when reading this article was that the traditional definition of a flipped class is: “Where videos take the place of direct instruction. This then allows students to get individual time in class to work with their teacher on key learning activities. It is called the flipped class because what used to be classwork (the "lecture" is done at home via teacher-created videos and what used to be homework (assigned problems) is now done in class.” I liked that this article gave me the definition of a flipped classroom because it gave me a better understanding of what is expected for students. Another thing that I discovered was that a flipped classroom is not “students working without structure, spending the entire class staring at a computer screen, or working in isolation.” I am happy that I  discovered that statement because I can focus on making sure students work together and I work with students throughout the whole class. A third thing that I discovered was “a classroom is where the teacher is not the ‘sage on the stage’, but the ‘guide on the side’.” I like that I read this line because it helps me make sure that I am guiding the students through the lesson. Students need guidance and I will be there to give it to them.

I also found two interesting facts in the article. One was that a flipped classroom is not going to replace the teacher. The teacher is there to help the students with information, but the students take control of their learning. I think that the flipped classroom is a great way for students to learn difficult subjects, such as math and science. The second interesting fact is that a classroom where students who are absent due to illness or extra-curricular activities don't get left behind. I like the idea of having a flipped classroom for the students who miss a class. I have been absent for some classes in elementary and high school and I know how hard it is to catch up on homework, school work, etc. Having a flipped classroom is a great way to include students who are not in class, keep up with their work.

One question that I still have is: how are teachers able to keep control of the class if they are in groups and the teacher is not sure if the students are focused on their work? One of my main concerns of a flipped classroom is students getting off topic and I would not be able to gain their attention back. I want to make sure that each student has a great learning experience and each of the students gets individual attention from me if they need help in a subject area. I worry that a flipped classroom might get out of hand, especially because I am in elementary education, because the students might talk about what happened on a TV show rather than an assignment. I also worry that the students will not watch the videos assigned to them, which will later result in off topic conversions. I will have to practice the idea of a flipped classroom because I do like the idea of it. I am sure with practice, I will be able to perfect the technique.    

COPPA

Deanna Mulay

COPPA Article: http://www.usatoday.com/story/cybertruth/2013/07/01/new-coppa-rules-better-protecting-children-online-take-effect-today/2479327/

One question that I always had was: How was the Internet protected? Now that I am studying to become a teacher, I worry about protecting my students from cyberbullies, their private information being released, etc. I want to make sure that they are safe online and their information will be secure. 1) I also had another question that came up when I was reading the article was: What made the new Rule come into play if the Internet already had some protection (How unsafe was the Internet before this new rule)? Though this article is a few years old, since it was written in 2013, I still think that it is good to read up on some of the details that this law covers. One of the rules that this law has is that a parent must give consent for a child who is under the age of 13 to go on an operator of a website and give personal information. When a child is putting their information into a computer, the new rule states that the child’s information must be stored securely. 2) In my opinion, I think that having these new rules are a great thing to have. Having a child’s information taken is the worst thing that could happen. The Internet is a scary place to store information, but if the new rules of COPPA protect the students then I feel some sense of security for their private records.

3) A connection that I thought of with this article was when I was online playing video games. I never put in my real name, I always did a username. My mom always told me to never put in information that was private in a computer because it could be hacked. I am very grateful that I listened to her because the new rule came into effect in 2013, but I was on the computer way before that year. 4) The article says, “The new Rule also makes clear that third parties, such as advertising networks, who receive personal information from sites they know are child directed must comply with COPPA, even if they have no direct user relationship with the child. Although these third parties will not have to investigate their partners' sites, the Federal Trade Commission has suggested that they will be deemed to have knowledge if one of their employees recognizes that they are receiving personal information from a child-directed site.” I think that this statement is really important because children need to be protected when they are using the Internet. Whether a child uses the computer for storing their personal information on sites like Facebook, or just playing games, they need to be protected. One way to protect the children is to have them create usernames. It is important to have laws like COPPA in the world because children need to be protected on the Internet. Hopefully one day all of the children who use the Internet can be 100% protected. 5) The importance of having COPPA in place is to insure that children are protected on the Internet and their private information is stored properly.