When looking at Assessment of learning more in-depth in the math classroom, many of us can probably say that we use the traditional “test” to assess our students learning. However, we have many diverse learning needs amongst our students in the classroom and we should offer different learning options for them in order to assess their learning. Here are a few ideas I’ve brainstormed below:
Have students start with a basic math
problem where students can demonstrate what they’ve learned throughout the
unit. The student can have 60-75 minutes to complete this task in which they
will use their Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in order to demonstrate a
limited, some, considerable or exceptional knowledge on the material. This can
also be transferred to the different categories depending on the question.
Students can also have the option to create
their own poster, collage or scrapbook based of the important terms that were
discussed this unit. Great opportunity for visual and hands-on learners!
Students could even get creative be
creating a video or a song to depict a certain element in the unit. They could
be asked to explain what they learned in a creative way that someone who
doesn’t know about the concept, will have a more in-depth concept after
listening or watching it.
Open questions!! Provide students with an
open question that can extend into the different areas studied throughout the
unit. Students will then be able to answer the open question by touching on
these different areas. They can show this through multiple ways including a
written answer, a mathematical solution, a diagram, chart, graph or drawing.
Students could also create a presentation
including the big themes that they learned from the different lessons in the
unit and one slide for each concept. They can explain the concepts giving their
own real-life applications and examples that are different from their notes.
Students could also create their own
concept map based on a unit and have the elements of the unit all connected in
some way in order to provide a visual of the importance of all of these
elements and how they connect.
As you can see, the options are limitless! Take
a chance and assess differently, I’m sure your students will enjoy it!
These are great ideas Emily! Another idea that I have done and really liked was having students work towards completing a portfolio throughout the entire unit. At the beginning, they were given a rubric and a success criteria checklist for everything that needed to be included, and then they were free to implement it as they pleased! I added in soft deadlines, where I would assess and give feedback if the portion was handed in by that date. They could then make changes and hand it in again at the end of the unit. I found that students responded to this much better than a unit test, and I got some pretty creative submissions! Their personalities shined through their work, and it seemed to get them excited about the probability unit, as much as they all disliked math as a subject.
ReplyDeleteWas your portfolio consisting of extra projects instead of tests or in addition to tests? I like the idea of having a portfolio as a culminating project of the entire year and then students can reflect upon everything that they've learned. This is something that I would like to adopt in the high school classroom. Great way to meet the needs and learning styles of different learners!
ReplyDeleteIt was extra projects in addition to smaller quizzes throughout the unit, as it was only a 5 week placement, with only 4 weeks of teaching. But I think a portfolio would be a great final summative evaluation for high school students! Definitely give it a shot; it's a LOT of work to make an effective rubric and requirements, and marking takes longer, but its so beneficial for the students that if you can make the time for it, I would absolutely suggest it!
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