Successes:
- The kids seem to have latched onto the idea well in terms of how it works and what it means for them. They like the idea that they get the opportunity to show proficiency on a task multiple times.
- Making the master list of learning targets at the beginning of the term has given me what I believe to be more focus as I craft my lesson plans. Ultimately I have a pretty concise list of goals that I want my students to be able to achieve by the end of the term. Each time I plan a new lesson it is either directly related to that learning target or a task that will (hopefully) lead to success in that learning target.
Struggles:
- As the end of the term approaches (Monday! as of this writing) am an still a bit unsure as to whether the way I have decided to calculate a final grade is right/fair/correct/accurate/etc. I have combined a few idea from my research to make my final plan, but am still a bit wary as to whether it's the "right" way to go. Either way, it is the first time that I am teaching this course and any course using this grading system, so I'm not going to be surprised if in the end I look to change my plans.
- Finding a way to let kids know what their current "grade" was at any given time was difficult. Kids have become accustomed to having their grades posted and available online at any time. They like being able to look on "the portal" to know their exact grade at that exact moment. I, on the other hand, have had a hard time finding way to do something that. Their grade is essentially just a proficiency scale from 0-4 for each learning target. I have created an Excel spread sheet to record all of their cumulative scores, but have not found a good way to post all of that information. I got more complaints from kids regarding this that I did parents. Actually, I got no parent complaints throughout the trimester.
Surprises:
- I had feared that some students would be of the mindset that they wouldn't need to try very hard the first time we quizzed a particular learning target because they would have additional opportunities to try it again. However, I believe that my students have all put in their best effort on all opportunities to show proficiency on the learning targets.
I notice how you had a lot of work on the front ind in terms of setting up your learning targets, but how now it has turned out to be a good thing. I bet that it has meant that you have a clear vision of where you are going with lessons and assessments too .
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that your students aren't "taking advantage" of the opportunity to re-test and are giving their best effort on the front end. I think Rick Wormeli would affirm this for you too! Most students would rather not have to retake tests/quizzes.