Are tests the only objective assessments that can be used?

There are many types of assessments that can be used in the classroom. A test is one type of assessment that is used frequently probably because it is objective and is effective in seeing results of student learning. This is not the only type of assessment that can be used in the classroom.

At the preschool level there is no paper-and-pencil testing, so to speak. Preschoolers do not read so assessments come in the form of observations, portfolios, and standardized tests and screenings-where the teacher/screener works one-on-one with each child. One down side to screenings, like the DECA, which is a social/emotional scale for preschoolers, is some of the statements can be subjective. This makes it very difficult when it comes to scoring each individual. A DECA trainer said it is important to score each child with the same understanding of each statement. However you read/understand each statement is how you should score each child. Portfolios and observations are best in that they show what children are doing. I do feel that observations using anecdotal notes can be subjective. This depends on how the observer views and records what is going on. It is very important to record actual actions seen and not interpret what is seen.  Portfolios are assessments that show progress over a period of time. In a portfolio can be actual work samples, pictures of work or creations that could not be saved, pre and post assessments, and video clips. These are actual examples of the children’s work but I think that a teachers understanding of child development can have a profound effect on interpreting results of the portfolio. I feel a teacher with a good understanding of child development will assess the work understanding developmental stages children go through and the results will reflect this understanding.

There are many assessments that can be used in class and it is important to be as objective as possible. Tests are effective objective assessments but not the only form of assessment that can be used. It is important to use a variety of assessments and to be as objective as possible to get the best results in determining student understanding.

 

Technology-Infused Classroom

A technology-infused classroom is a place where the teacher and students have access to and use various forms of technology to complete projects, solve problems, collaborate, and learn. Technology comes in many forms. It can be a digital camera, video recorder, access to the Internet, editing software, video games, Podcasts, White Boards, Smart Boards, iPods/iPads, Blogs, Wiki’s, computer software, collaboration sites, virtual field trips, the overhead projector, the chalkboard, projected and non-projected visuals. The list goes on and there are many more emerging technologies. In these classes students are learning to tap into resources that are available by the push of a button or the click of a mouse. The classroom is no longer defined by the four walls that surround it but rather defined by what the whole world has to offer.

I work in a preschool setting. At the preschool age it is extremely important that the students spend ample time handling actual materials to increase their learning. A virtual environment for these youngsters is a bit of a stretch. There are a few good ways to infuse technology into the preschool setting. The first and probably easiest is listening stations, i.e. books/music on CD or iPods. Another simple piece of technology is the use of the flip camera. The children can use these to document their work or take pictures of friends. This is a hands-on activity that allows them to be creative. With the teachers help, e-books, photo stories and videos can be easily put together. Using an interactive white board exposes children to the new technology and really it is the next step from the non-projected charts, graphs and visuals I currently use.

In my class, I do have a listening station with CD. I look forward to getting an iPod, a digital camera, and maybe someday soon I will find myself lucky enough to have an interactive white board. This is something I will work towards.

           

Using Visual Literacy & the Internet in the classroom

 

Over the last two weeks I have read about and learned the value of using the Internet and visual literacy in the classroom. The impact on teaching using visuals is that students can take the abstract and see it more concretely. Visuals access a different part of the brain and help the child understand, making a stronger connection with the new information. Using the Internet expands the four walls of the classroom to include the whole world. Students will gain 21^st century skills with the help of the Internet as a tool for learning.

At the preschool level I use visuals all the time. We use them to label cubbies, show steps to hand washing, to display appropriate circle time behaviors, for the job helper chart, to label shelves, and the list goes on. We have even found that visuals help with student behaviors. When an undesired behavior occurs, we can show them an acceptable behavior visual and we start to see behaviors change over time. I typically like to use photos but I am going to implement cartoon or images that are drawn, simple illustrations, because I feel children need a mix of both the animated and actual pictures.

            Using the Internet in the classroom has its limitations with preschoolers. Although the preschoolers would not be using the Internet themselves, I look forward to setting up a Classroom News Blog. Here I would be able to keep parents updated on what is going on in class, what activities are coming up, ways they can get involved, and receive feedback from parents. This could also be a place I could post advice for parents who are struggling with preschool issues such as making friends or sleep time strategies. Being in a low-income area there are families that do not have access to the Internet. In this case I would be sure to print or post at school the latest entry to keep parents up to date. 

   

Value of a variety instructional strategies used in class

I feel it is extremely important to use a variety of instructional strategies. Instructional strategies can be teacher-centered or student-centered.  Teacher-centered strategies include presentations, demonstrations, lectures, etc. The teacher is the focus and the students follow along. This is valuable in introducing a new unit or a course of study as well as for other purposes. Length of time is important to consider. Using technology, such as a computer, Whiteboard, Overhead projector etc. can make this style of teaching more engaging. Using audio, video, pictures, graphs, etc can enhance the subject matter and get students more involved.
Student-centered strategies include discussions, role-playing, games, simulations, and problem-solving. Students learn by hands-on exploration. They learn by working individually or in teams as they collaborate with their peers. They develop critical thinking  and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply, create and share knowledge. They learn how to become a contributing member of a group. Technology can be used in so many ways to enhance this learning. Students can use word documents to write and easily edit their work, create graphs and charts from the data they collected. They can create videos, power points and use the Internet for research and collaborative learning by connecting with researchers and specialists or students from another  school/country. Using both strategies in the class is very powerful and rewarding.
Each classroom has a variety of learning styles. Using just one strategy does not meet all the needs of the students. Students will get bored without a variety of ways to explore learning. Using different strategies and switching them for learning different things meets the needs of all the students, keeps them motivated and excited about learning. It teaches them to think, learn and explore in different ways. They develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills which are important for the 21st century learner.

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Welcome

Hello and Welcome to my Blog! It will be exciting to begin this journey of Blogging. I am feeling a little unsure of my abilities in Blogging, so over the next couple of months we'll see how much more confidence I will gain. Can't wait to see my 1st outside post :-) Happy Blogging to all!
Sarah