Week 7 and 8 Reflection

During week 7, we discussed concepts in measurement. This includes how we use statistics in the classroom, as well as display and analyze data. We also talked about criterion vs. norm- referenced assessments and what the differences are between the two. We discussed population sampling, validity and reliability, as well as average, mean, median, mode, and range. These terms are important because they contribute to calculating and analyzing data. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with these terms and  understand what they mean in students' data. 

During week 8, we discussed how we use data to drive instruction. Data can tell us a lot about our students: including their earning needs, how well an assignment was understood, which students may need more interventions, and which students are high flyers. Data can even serve as a reference for the teacher as to how well students are being taught. The excel practice allowed us to graph fake students' scores and  analyze what their scores mean. By analyzing, even though these were fake students, I was able to come up with ways to help these students make the appropriate academic gains. In areas where students collectively seemed to struggle, the data served as an indicator that maybe these are areas that need to be re- taught or revisited. Data can show patterns in learning as well as provide feedback as to what improvements you would like to make as the teacher. It is important to always reflect on the data in a holistic way. Use the data to make decisions but also recognize that sometimes, data isn't always accurate and can be biased. When we look at data with a holistic view, we are looking at it both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively means that we look at the numbers, and qualitatively means that background information is considered. 

In my future classroom, I plan to use data to drive my instruction. It is important to analyze the students' work in order to determine what practices to use in the classroom. For example, if multiple students score low on a test, small group instruction with these students would be beneficial. At the same time, the other students would also benefit by learning things differentiated to their individual needs. Also, it is important to evaluate kids in multiple ways. Don't just look at test or quiz scores. Analyze how the children are doing in a holistic way by analyzing classwork, tests, projects, questioning, and other formative methods. Quantitative data isn't everything and can be biased. When using norm referenced tests such as the PSSA, it is important to understand and analyze these scores, but also to recognize how these scores can be discriminatory or biased. Overall, measurement and data are two very important concepts to understand and implement as a teacher. 

Week 6 Reflection

 This week in ELEC 316, my learning has continued to grow. On Monday, we were able to hear from Ms. Wagner. Her presentation was very informative regarding several aspects of assessment. She shared her perspective on being a teacher and how she uses grades and assessments in her classroom. One big take away I had from the presentation was on how often to grade. Ms. Wagner stated that it is hard to choose what to grade because the students do so much work every week. However, she suggested picking one material per subject each week to grade and to have a balanced scope of what you are grading, so it is not just tests or quizzes. Another aspect of the presentation that was very beneficial was how Ms. Wagner gave examples of assessments for each of the core subjects. These assessments included best practice and were fun, interactive, hands- on learning experiences for students.  Ms. Wagner also discussed how she uses the 4-3-2-1 approach and how this allows her to reflect on each individual student and what they know and how to get them where they need to go. This also helps you as a teacher because it allows you to reflect on how well the students are picking up what is being put down. 

On Wednesday, we learned about DAP, which is developmentally appropriate practices. DAP is important because when lesson planning, the students' needs are at the center, and the lesson plan should be aligning to the children's needs. One way that we make lessons developmentally appropriate is by aligning our objectives to the standards, which are given by the state. However, when lesson planning, it is important to use the ABCD formula: audience, behavior, condition, and degree. A great lesson plan always involves all 4 of those measures. The objectives should be geared towards the student, what behavior you would like to occur and under what condition/ circumstance, and what accuracy you would like. When structuring a lesson plan, it is important to think of what you want the outcome or desired result to be and then culminate a plan and how you want to assess students. Then, you can plan instruction and what experiences you want students to have. There must be alignment between objectives, instructional practices, and assessments. Learning objectives should always be developmentally appropriate to the backgrounds of the students and should promote learning across all domains to be most effective! 

Lastly, on Friday we focused on assessment measures. This aspect was very important because it is critical to implement best practice in your classroom. Assignments/ assessments should have a clear purpose and should include multimodes. Drilling kids with worksheets or tests is not best practice. It is important to incorporate formative assessment practices like exit tickets and think pair share, along with things like portfolios and project- based learning. Also, using small group time to teach to the individual needs of students is very beneficial. It is important to always be taking observations of children in the process!