EDLD+5364+Teaching+with+Technology+Week+5+Reflection


 * Reflection **

Two quotes stood out for me this week and I will elaborate on why they have meaning for me. “All schools are driven by requirements to maintain and improve standardized test scores. And yet these efforts create a rather interesting conundrum, because frequently the ‘new school’ model and high-stakes testing seem in conflict with each other.” (Solomon, 2007). I have always disliked the TAKS test due to the manner in which it is taught and the emphasis put on its scores. We all know that our students are digital natives so we should be allowing them to learn in this manner. Many teachers do not have the knowledge or time to teach skills in this way much less feel that it can be done. I feel if teachers had the time to sit down and create lessons that teach TAKS skills and concepts, our students would score better. Now on to my second quote. “Scientists have always learned the language of science by doing science.” (Gee, 2008). The TAKS test requires a student to be assessed in a “paper and pencil” manner when many of our students feel more comfortable showing what they have learned. The readings and videos this week seem to point in this direction of learning and assessment but until it is able to be proven by the teachers and students, the main form of assessment for student mastering of knowledge and skills will continue to be the TAKS test.

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). //Web 2.0 new tools, new schools//. International Society for Technology in the Classroom. Edutopia.org. (nd ). //Big Thinkers: James Gee on Grading with Games//. Retrieved March 26, 2011 from []


 * Discussion **

 "However, it makes much more sense to have ongoing assessment-the way evaluators do that is known as 'formative evaluation'. All this means is that we don't wait until the 'unit' is over to determine how well the students and we as educators are doing." (Solomon, 2007). This quote hit home with me not only has a parent but as a teacher as well. I keep track of my son's grades online and sometimes don't see any tests or quizzes. This makes me wonder how they are assessing my son. By the time he takes a test at the end of the 9 weeks, he has probably forgotten half of what he has been taught. I also see this as a problem as a teacher. Many things are going on and keep you from assessing students any other time besides at the end of the six weeks. The PK teachers only assessed students at the end of the 6 weeks using the report card. I talked them into having a "formal" 3 week assessment that is created by us and focuses on other concepts we want to keep track of that are not on the report card. Ongoing assessment seems logical so you are not "surprised" at the end of the grading period to find out a student does not know something.

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0 new tools, new schools. International Society for Technology in the Classroom.