Marking and Evaluation

Mathematics has become an integral component to the development of contemporary society. It is a subject which affects individuals every day actions therefore academics must become aware of the significant toll it plays. As a result it becomes the responsibility of educators to ignite academics passion towards mathematics for it will allow for greater student success. Mathematics is a subject which students should not fear nor resent instead it should be taught in a way which allows them to recognize the fundamental role in plays in their every day lives.  

Contemporary educators must find methods to encapsulate student interest to allow for greater expansion of knowledge. Any example of this would be exploring mathematics through the arts. Music is heavily engrained in all realms of contemporary society individuals. It acts as a fantastic outlet which listeners often turn to for pleasure. Additionally, math models a great  resource for teaching students different concepts. For example when learning about note values and counting beats students are being exposed to adding together fractions. When educators allow for cross curricular learning to take place students will gain better, more in-depth learning opportunities. 

Our final mathematics class focused on the development of effective assessment techniques for marking students work.  For students to achieve the most out of their learning they must become inspired, they must learn about something which gages their interest and challenges their thinking to allow for greater creative expansion. Additionally, when students take pride in their work their interest levels significantly increase allowing for greater success. For students to achieve the most out of learning teachers must provide support and guide their learning through constructive feedback. 

For our class we were presented with activities that provided the opportunity to read various students writing and responses to different mathematical questions. With these responses we had the opportunity to provide constructive feed back for the students that would allow them to gain greater understanding of where they had went wrong. This activity provided a fantastic opportunity to evaluate work through the lens of an educator. When instructors take the time to provide students with feed back they are providing them with greater opportunities to develop academically. 

Evaluations plays a heavy role in students academic journey. When educators are willing to work together with their students to expand understanding they are providing them with greater opportunity to succeed.  Additionally, when educators take the time to demonstrate to students that they have read and recognized their work students level of appreciation and willingness to improve will increase. 

Assessment in Math Class

The focus of this weeks mathematics session involved deconstructing assessment pieces in order to better understand how to gage student understanding. Assessment acts as a fundamental component in the education realm as it demonstrates for educators the strengths and weakness of various learners. Additionally, assessment provides greater observation of academic progression allowing for better learning opportunities.  As a contemporary education I recognize the various learning needs which students will have therefore it is important to develop various assessment pieces. In addition, we cannot base assessment solely on tests but instead look for others ways which students can do to demonstrate their learning. 

The contemporary classroom continues to be constructed with a variety of learners requiring various accommodations and modifications in activities.  As a result educators cannot evaluate two dissimilar learners with a similar assessment piece as it would put them at a disadvantage. For example if a student is better able to demonstrate their learning through visual and/or verbal  products it would be unfair to evaluate them based solely on tests. As well if a learner excels in tests it would be unjust to evaluate them based on visual or verbal activities. As educators it becomes our responsibility to create a nurturing and caring learning environment for all therefore we must be willing to alternate our practises and methods of instruction to better satisfy learners.

The remaining duration of our classroom discussion focused on the difference between memorizing and understanding. We were questioned whether or not we believe it is more important that students memorize mathematical concepts as opposed to gaining concrete understanding. After great consideration I believe that in order for students to gain the most our of learning it is essential that they gain an understanding of what they are learning about. When students are forced to memorize they are deprived of gaining true knowledge.  Throughout my academic journey I recall that mathematics focused heavily on the memorization of different terminology and practices. As a result I often felt great anxiety when I was unable to remember different concepts which lead to the fear I held for mathematics.

The face of the mathematics classroom must undergo heavy construction in order to better provide for the contemporary learner.  As a future educator I recognize the importance of continually adapting methods and strategies of instruction. Additionally, it is essential that assessment, the fundamental component for student success, must be differentiated. Students do not learn the same way therefore it is important to provide them with opportunities to succeed and develop.  For students to thrive it is essential that educators take the time and dedication to learn what is best for learners so all are provided with equal learning opportunities.

Rich Questions in Math Class

The focus of this weeks mathematics class focused heavily on the development of rich questions to better intrigue and support student learning. Rich questions allow for creative expansion as well better fuels academic level of knowledge due to the wide scope of possibilities. Additionally, rich questions help to eliminate negative connotations as questions are presented in a less intimidating manner as there are multiple ways to come to a solutions. When academics are provided with the opportunity to explore, question and reflect on their learning their level of eagerness and willingness will significantly increase. Contemporary educators can no longer accept previous practises of instruction as they no longer satisfy educational needs. As a result it becomes our responsibility to continually update skill level and knowledge so that students are better set up for success.

Math class cannot focus solely on numbers but instead aim on supporting and encouraging student growth. The development of a positive, nurturing learning environment is fundamental to better promote student learning. In addition educators must demonstrate to students that it is acceptable to make errors for they are what allow our knowledge to expand.  The speaker, Brent Knopf, in the Ted Talk video discusses the benefits of mistakes in relation to success and growth mindset.  Mistakes allow the mind to better recognize and adapt allowing for greater expansion of understanding. As educators it is essential to demonstrate to learners that mistakes should not be feared but instead seen as a positive learning opportunity. 

This week my classmate and I developed a lead an online module which  taught others about the importance and implementation of differentiated instruction in the class room. The assignment acted as a fantastic learning opportunity as it required the utilization of technology as the dominant form of instruction. Leading others through an online module is extremely different from a face to face encounter. The conversations, ideas and participation demonstrates the benefits of the inclusion of technology within the classroom setting. Peers appeared engaged and more eager to explore the topic of study.