Is testing the only assessment teachers should do?

Tests! Tests! Tests!  That’s all schools every talk about these days.  It’s all about testing, data and a student's test scores.  Our schools have lost the focus that should be directed on our students and trying to be able to make education fun.  If all we do is test, then the students stop caring about their education.  Testing isn’t fun and should be done on a rare occasion.  I do think that testing is necessary and gives teachers an overall look at what a student's strengths and weakness are, but it is not the only way to get that information.

There are many different types of assessments: informal and formal.  Assessments such as pre-tests, post-tests, quizzes, state and district tests are considered to be formal assessments.  These are the typical assessments that we think of when someone mentions testing.  Hands signals, four corners, and white boards are just a few of the informal assessments teachers can do in their classes.  Teachers can easily use informal assessments as a quick check to see which kids understand the content after a lesson and which students do not.  Doing these quick checks allows for teachers to see which kids may need to be pulled for small groups for more individualized instruction.  Formal assessments should be limited to only at the in the beginning, middle and end of a unit.  This keeps the kids from getting overwhelmed with all the testing.

Unfortunately, I do not see things changing any time soon.  I see it getting worse year after year.  As a teacher, I need to focus my attention on teaching my students and making it meaningful for them.  As long as I do my best to provide them with the strategies and real-life examples, then they should be successful on these assessments without stress!

Technology-Infused Classroom

What is a technology-infused classroom?  Well to me it is exactly how it sounds... a classroom that utilizes technology regularly!  These types of classrooms could be online classrooms, such as distant learning, or traditional classrooms that integrate technology.  With the 21st Century learner, teachers are taking a back seat to permit students to learn more independently through the use of technology.  With a technology-infused classroom teachers are allowing for active student engagement with technology and with the new Common Core standards, it is important for teachers to be using real-world examples so that the students can make meaning of the content.  Such technology based real-world examples could be allowing for the students to do an online simulation, take a virtual field trip, create multimedia presentations or completing online assignments and assessments.

I have to admit that it has been difficult for me to integrate technology into my classroom for many reasons.  I find that it is difficult 

to use technology daily in a mathematics classroom.  However, as I become more familiar with the different programs and applications that are available to my content area, I am finding new ways to integrate technology more into my classroom.  One thing I want to start using more of is My Big Campus which will allow for me to create and post videos online for students to view at anytime.  To make student more involved in the learning process, I could have them create the videos for me.  When students can verbalize their thinking process and can explain how or what they did to solve the problems, allows for a deeper understanding of the content.  Students can then complete an online assignment based on what they learned from the videos that were created and seen.  Another way I can infuse technology more, would be to create interactive lessons using a SmartBoard and clickers (which is something I want to look into getting).  As I become more comfortable with different technology programs, I will start to see myself integrate them more into my classroom than what I have done currently.