TEC 538_Blog Post #4

Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.


When people think of objective tests, this is what tends to come to mind...at least for me.





Objective--if the meaning of objectivity is to not have a person's feelings or opinions factor into something, I wonder if we can truly ever achieve REAL objectivity when assessing students. Obviously, being an English teacher, everything I grade is objective, and usually has an accompanying rubric.  My first reaction was "Well, sure, tests are objective; essays are not."  But, the more I think about it, aren't the questions a teacher puts on the assessment subjective in some manner?  I know when I make my multiple choice/true-false/matching tests, there has to be some degree of subjectivity simply because I'm making them, and I'm human.  Everything I do is subjective.  I constantly tell my students that if they can defend their answers, and it makes sense, then fine, I'll give them credit.  I want them to think outside of the box!  I know a lot of teachers who use objective assessments--and I'm one of them, at times--simply because they're easier to grade.  However, I know full good and well they aren't the best of truly assessing a students' knowledge, not by a long shot. 

Anyhow, the questions asks me whether tests are the only objective assessments.  I say, no.  There are many ways of assessing students, objectively.  But, then again, once I sit and ponder this question a little deeper, as I think about other ways of objectively assessing students, the question just says "tests" and so therefore, isn't everything, essentially a test?  Whether it be formative or summative, everything in my room from discussions to clickers is some means of assessment whereby I can gauge my students' understanding of concepts.  Therefore, if by "tests" the question means a pencil/paper multiple choice "test" then I disagree.  However, because the meaning of "test" can encompass so much more, if by "tests" the question means instructional methods and everything I do in my room to assess my students with a "one-right-or-wrong answer" then yes, I agree.  

TEC538_Blog Post #3_Week 6

Reflect on the idea of what a technology-infused classroom looks like. How do you plan to have a technology-infused classroom?
 I found this picture and considering our district's tech plan (or lack thereof), I found it quite fitting!  Our students cannot have cell phones in school.  We have one computer lab for 206 students to share.  The most current pieces of technology in our classrooms consist of Promethean boards that most teachers use as a glorified projector.  Frustrating?  YES.

I think the focus word here is "infused."  This seemingly harmless word means to fill, pervade, or soak.  It doesn't mean dabble, dash, or sprinkle.  With budget constraints or not, every single teacher in every classroom should be utilizing the technology avaliable to enhance students' learning.  Does it take time?  Yes.  Can it be frustrating to learn and integrate?  Absolutely.  BUT, does technology motivate students, help them learn, and increase problem-solving and critical-thinking skills?  Exponentially.  So, therefore, what is the true cost?  Nothing.  And everything.  It's priceless.

I wish more educators--those reluctant to use or even learn about the myriad of technological applications avaliable would realize that...



In my view, a technology-infused classroom, no matter how "souped up", is always a classroom where the teacher uses what s/he has to successfully integrate resources into the curriculum.  In my room, I may not have much to work with--and I'm constantly fighting to use things teachers have been integrating for the past decade--but this coming year, the thing I want to integrate the most is...

Blogging.  I want a classroom blog, and I want students to blog.  As teachers, we are constantly being told to reflect on our teaching practices.  If we truly want our students to learn to reflect on their learning, engage in meaningful conversations with their classmates and the world, and to practice their writing skills, blogging is the perfect medium!