ImagineIT Phase 5
For my Conferring with Colleagues session, I shared my assessment dilemma (see Phase 4) with two colleagues who teach 7th grade and showed them examples of assessments that I have used in the past including a vocabulary quiz and the textbook unit test.
My science colleague suggested turning my 22 word vocabulary quiz into several mini-cloze passages that “get to the heart of understanding the key vocabulary”. She suggested that the passages could be used as exit slips with 2-3 words that were covered during that day’s investigation. I think this idea makes sense and I will deconstruct subsequent unit vocabulary quizzes into mini-quizzes according to the words introduced in each investigation. She also indicated that students should be allowed to use their science notebooks to complete the exit slips.
My social studies colleague agreed that students should be allowed to use their definitions in their science notebooks and stated that the goal for vocabulary should be to show application, not memorization, of definitions. She also suggested using lab-based performance assessments (for example: describing soil scientifically) with a word bank provided for students to demonstrate the correct use of terms in context instead of a vocabulary quiz. This idea falls into place perfectly with my goal to include more performances of understanding in the implementation of my ImagineIT project.
We all agreed that the unit test published by the textbook company does not align with NGSS standards, so my science colleague suggested the tests could be revised to include more application-based questions. My other colleague suggested eliminating some or all of the unit tests and instead utilizing project-based performances of understanding. I am planning on utilizing both suggestions by revising the old unit tests to include more NGSS skills and standards and by using performances of understanding that include multiple modalities.
I was pleasantly surprised at the insight my 6th graders in my focus group had regarding the topic of assessment! Interestingly, the students I met with echoed many of the suggestions of my colleagues. One student specifically suggested that I create mini-quizzes as “exit slips like they do in math class” and that they could use the corrected exit slips to study for unit tests. Another student thought that I should include pictures to illustrate vocabulary words on the quizzes. I like this idea because I often have the students illustrate their vocabulary words in their notebook to help them visualize the meanings.
For the unit test, students suggested that they should be able to use notes and diagrams as well as informative passages from the text. One student thought I could add an Extra Spicy Challenge at the end of the test for extra credit! I can definitely incorporate these ideas into future assessments.
I also asked students to give me feedback on a recent rubric that I utilized to score their first ImagineIT slide presentations on the nutrient cycle. One student said she liked how the rubric “tells you the steps and what grade you’ll get.” Another mentioned how the rubric helps you stay organized and helps you to know what to include in your project. Stay tuned for more on the implementation of my ImagineIT project in Phase 6...
My science colleague suggested turning my 22 word vocabulary quiz into several mini-cloze passages that “get to the heart of understanding the key vocabulary”. She suggested that the passages could be used as exit slips with 2-3 words that were covered during that day’s investigation. I think this idea makes sense and I will deconstruct subsequent unit vocabulary quizzes into mini-quizzes according to the words introduced in each investigation. She also indicated that students should be allowed to use their science notebooks to complete the exit slips.
My social studies colleague agreed that students should be allowed to use their definitions in their science notebooks and stated that the goal for vocabulary should be to show application, not memorization, of definitions. She also suggested using lab-based performance assessments (for example: describing soil scientifically) with a word bank provided for students to demonstrate the correct use of terms in context instead of a vocabulary quiz. This idea falls into place perfectly with my goal to include more performances of understanding in the implementation of my ImagineIT project.
We all agreed that the unit test published by the textbook company does not align with NGSS standards, so my science colleague suggested the tests could be revised to include more application-based questions. My other colleague suggested eliminating some or all of the unit tests and instead utilizing project-based performances of understanding. I am planning on utilizing both suggestions by revising the old unit tests to include more NGSS skills and standards and by using performances of understanding that include multiple modalities.
I was pleasantly surprised at the insight my 6th graders in my focus group had regarding the topic of assessment! Interestingly, the students I met with echoed many of the suggestions of my colleagues. One student specifically suggested that I create mini-quizzes as “exit slips like they do in math class” and that they could use the corrected exit slips to study for unit tests. Another student thought that I should include pictures to illustrate vocabulary words on the quizzes. I like this idea because I often have the students illustrate their vocabulary words in their notebook to help them visualize the meanings.
For the unit test, students suggested that they should be able to use notes and diagrams as well as informative passages from the text. One student thought I could add an Extra Spicy Challenge at the end of the test for extra credit! I can definitely incorporate these ideas into future assessments.
I also asked students to give me feedback on a recent rubric that I utilized to score their first ImagineIT slide presentations on the nutrient cycle. One student said she liked how the rubric “tells you the steps and what grade you’ll get.” Another mentioned how the rubric helps you stay organized and helps you to know what to include in your project. Stay tuned for more on the implementation of my ImagineIT project in Phase 6...