Week 11 Reflection

In this weeks class we were responsible for reading chapter 3 in the Making Math Meaningful textbook. This chapter is focused on Assessment and Evaluation. As we come to the end of the semester and our time in Math class, it is important that we take a class to look at assessment and evaluation, specifically in a math class setting. As Pat pointed out to us, and as we have been learning in all of our classes, and in particular our Assessment class, the point of assessment is not to rank the children, or to have marks so that we can fill out the report cards. Rather, the point of assessment is to improve and ensure student success, assessment for improvement.

After already completing some of the first semester courses, and reaching the near end in others, we have learned the importance of implementing a formative style of assessment. This style of assessment is ongoing as uses assessment as a tool to encourage and supplement learning, rather than just being the end result of learning. This shift in styles to a formative style of assessment reflects the change in education; there is nothing more important that the student and getting them to learn and retain information. I also really appreciated the way that Pat explained the different type of assessments, OF, AS, and FOR learning. The math textbook also did a great job of explaining the differences between the types of assessment. I actually found the discussion on the types of assessment in math class more useful than any of the other courses I’ve had to take. Pats explanations were very effective to me in terms of understanding what each assessment style meant. For example, Assessment for learning was something that confused me a little, but Pat explained it very simply by saying that it is simply to figure out where your students are, and what they know, so you can plan their learning; this is essentially the minds on section/prior knowledge of the lesson plan.  In addition, Pat also touched on the edugains resource again and how important it may prove to be to us as teachers in terms of lesson planning as well as assessment and guidance. Pats explanation of the achievement chart in the slideshow was also helpful to me as it broke down the mathematical process into the different categories in the chart. I think that this is something that will prove to be useful to me in my lesson planning.

Dawn. 2009. Math [Online Image] http://bit.ly/1InswiW

            We also did some fun activities in class this week that challenged our mathematical knowledge.  Pat grouped the class using Popsicle sticks with different numbers on them. I liked the idea of having the different colored sticks with different numbers handy for when you need to make groups; you can make the groups by color or by the numbers, a nice little technique to keep in mind. After we were grouped off we had to rotate to different tables and take part in different math games. I enjoyed all of the games, but I think that the game with the toothpicks is one that is especially useful for a math class. In the activity you are given a number of clues and a bunch of toothpicks and you have to create the geometrical shape described in the clues. I found these to be quite challenging and they really tested your knowledge of shapes and definitions. It is also a fun way to collaborate with your classmates. In addition, the games with the number charts were also very fun to me. Similarly to the toothpick games, you are given a bunch of clues and must figure out what the secret number is. Again, this game tests your math knowledge, specifically your knowledge of multiples etc.