So it is that time of year again. And we are all scrambling to find ways to motivate our students to try better on their tests. No matter what we say about how their scores help the schools some students don't care. Universities (for the most part) aren't requiring a certain score to get into college. The only thing we use them for is to get into honors or AP classes. So what about the student that is never going to take an AP or honors class?
I know that we should hope they try their best. But some won't unless there is some sort of motivation that directly affects them. Gone is the days of doing what's right and in it's place is the "me generation". Normally, I would say fine don't do anything it's your test. But not in this day and age. Now all of a sudden, we are directly responsible for the scores. What if they are having an off day? Family problems? High school drama? Doesn't matter they need to be proficient or advanced! What if they don't try in class? What it they haven't done one assignment? What if they blow it off? Doesn't matter they need to be proficient.
So our math team decided to give some add on some % points onto their final grade based upon their CST scores. This is the one factor that seems to motivate all of the students. You might have the rare A student that will still figure that the test isn't worth squat, but this should hit most of the students. Thoughts?
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6 comments:
The issue with motivating students to try harder and at least do work to get them to the next level. When I was in high school (now in college) I did an awesome job in my classes making sure I passed by classes. If I had problems with anything, I made sure to do enough to impress the teacher that I am doing my best.
Sometimes we don't know what may be going on personally in a student's life. Teachers can only make sure that they are doing their best to teaching the students. I believe that every teacher should break down the materials taught to students in a easier way. Break the lesson down to the dirty grinds.
I believe that every teacher should break down the materials taught to students in a easier way. Break the lesson down to the dirty grinds.
I do this as often as possible, but we have a pressure to finish the book before the CSTs. To do that we can't have everyone understand the material. In fact, sometimes we move on when only a few have it down, then we need to find time to re-teach that material and still teach new stuff.
Oh. I've never heard where you have to finish a book before a performance test. I don't think it you should be able to be a conductor of a moving train leaving some of your passengers at the station.
I'm sure there's a way to follow the guidelines and still be able to teach the lesson before their CSTs. Let's make a rule where we just throw all the materials at the students expect them to know it for a test at the end of the year.
Oh. I've never heard where you have to finish a book before a performance test. I don't think it you should be able to be a conductor of a moving train leaving some of your passengers at the station.
unfortunately that's where we are right now in education (at least here). At my old school, we went at a "normal" pace and missed any entire chapter on circles. Circles are a huge part of the CST and we didn't even come close to getting there. Here at my new school we want to let the students at least see all of the material.
I'm sure there's a way to follow the guidelines and still be able to teach the lesson before their CSTs.
Like I said it's pretty hard to hit everything and make sure the kids fully understand.
Let's make a rule where we just throw all the materials at the students expect them to know it for a test at the end of the year.
One of the problems we have is students forgeting what they learn. We have a daily quiz that reviews first sememster topics everyday. It worked last year for my Alg. B classes, so I am curious to see how it goes for Alg. 2 this year.
I have also taken away all calculators 2nd semester (no calculators on the CSTs). I guess I try to create that testing environment 2nd semester.
To let you know, I'm not trying to create a debate with this topic since I do have some understand with what you are saying. I wonder if the method they are using now will improve the scores. Your blog about your teaching life and everything else is very interesting.
To let you know, I'm not trying to create a debate with this topic since I do have some understand with what you are saying. I wonder if the method they are using now will improve the scores.
I didn't think you were debating, more of just curious I guess. The method I am using did show results last year, but are they really learning? That I'm not sure of. I think we are just shoving information at them and hoping it sticks, but not really giving a solid foundation.
Your blog about your teaching life and everything else is very interesting.
thanks. on a side note... you must be pretty excited being at Memphis right now with the NCAA tourney going on.
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