#aussieED was founded on the belief that all teachers, and students, should have unlimited access to Professional Development, on their own terms, to improve their teaching, their schools and change the lives of the students they encounter. Since then, we have embarked on a mission to reach educators, not only in Australia but, all around the globe. We want to smash the barriers that prevent teachers from easily connecting and learning with each other. To that end, we have developed a regular Ed-chat each Sunday on twitter at #aussieED. The chat allows all teachers, leaders, administrators and all those connected with education to meet on an unbiased platform and discuss the real issues that effect what happens in classrooms everywhere. Our chats are authentic because we are real teachers walking the same walk that so many do everyday.
If you fail your driving exam, you get another shot. It's not just one and done like it is with most other forms of assessment. We could learn from that! #aussieED
A8: Its not. We should allow as many chances for learning as possible. For me its a time/resource thing. Sometimes Ss burn things. And that’s a valuable lesson. For them, if not me. I want them to keep trying though! #aussieED
A5 - Lack of confidence in the assessment process will reflect on the Ss understanding of topic and therefore not provide the Ss to fully engage in producing their best work #aussieED
I train my Ss that when getting back a book they look at my feedback, that is for the times that it wasn't given back immediately. I have monitors that hand out the books, this helps Ss to get their feedback at the start of each class. #aussieED
Yes, understanding can be demonstrated in different ways. If the topic is not the same, how can you be sure the assessment measures the same outcome/learning? #aussieED
Unfortunately, the time pressure is often the downfall of reassessment. We need to change our mindset on this as it is essential that we allow the Ss the opportunity. #aussieed
Totally accept your point but I'm starting to really wish we could have a national conversation on key issues! I would have loved to explore @Birmo's thoughts on smart phones etc in a constructive way #aussieED
No…but at least we have some control over how to better assess our Ss. Its not right…it just is. I think we focus on the things we can change rather than push for change in areas with less impact. #aussieED
I'm curious; as Ts we spend huge amounts of time, setting/marking assessments and discussing how to do them better. Do we equally assess school/system and governmental initiatives in education? #aussieED
A8 my ss can do a mastery test as many times as the like but suummative assessment once only. This reflects the whole assessment system that has to change before attitudes change. Often its not ts that set the assessment system #aussieED
A7... A lot comes down to building a culture where Ss are open to feedback first. A simple format like 2 stars and a wish or glowing/growing have been effective for me, followed by a check in to see where they have tried to apply it in future tasks. #aussieED
Q7 - What hints do you have on providing quality feedback to students in ways that are time efficient for the teacher, yet useful to the student? And how do you respond when you feel students aren’t using the feedback you provide? #aussieED
Yes. Second, third, fourth, however many it takes. Provided Ss show commitment to the learning and have ‘done the work’ to warrant reassessment. #aussieED
This is very true, Brian. Again with crowded curriculums, added pressure on teachers - thinking about doing another 'formal' assessment could be daunting #aussieED
Unfortunately, the time pressure is often the downfall of reassessment. We need to change our mindset on this as it is essential that we allow the Ss the opportunity. #aussieed
A8 reassessment happens at higher ed and primary sectors. Haven’t seen it happen much at secondary level. Eg extremely shy teenager forced to give oral presentation to whole class causing nausea and vomiting. Very B&W that’s the set assessment!!! #aussieED
Yes - this is why we have the SWEET FA!!! Formative Assessment where the students can have attempt after attempt until they feel confident enough to do the summative task :) #aussieED
A8 my ss can do a mastery test as many times as the like but suummative assessment once only. This reflects the whole assessment system that has to change before attitudes change. Often its not ts that set the assessment system #aussieED
A7 This book changed the way I wrote my assessment rubrics. They are now more valid, a source of good feedback and can be used as a differentiation teaching tool. The key is to replace the qualifiers with developmental language #aussieED
I agree. I push myself hard on the assessment front particularly in reading during first term. I want each student to be at the correct level to challenge them so I F&P benchmark. Very time consuming but vital to start the year right. #aussieED
That's why we need a broader perspective on assessment and increase the value of the 'informal' assessment through the teaching/learning/reporting cycle. #AussieEd
A8 #aussieED time constraints a major issue. Aust curric so full, there's a worry about not fitting it all in. Teaching from the Achievement standards rather than the content descriptors helps - I teach at a school where this is encouraged. Allows more time for reassessment.
Q8 - Educators know that students learn at different paces. Knowing this, why is hard for some to accept reassessment as a valuable process? What are some of the mindset changes teachers need to overcome before they can implement reassessment in a meaningful way? #aussieED
For some students an open ended task is new to them. They need to learn to show all their understanding, record all their working out. Teachers have a criteria for a-e grading. It could be adapted for students but sometimes this limits them too. #aussieed
Patrick is amazing at rubrics. Did you know he deceloped AISTLs classroom practice continuum and it is developed from rubrics? Fascinating maths behind it! #aussieed
@Hobson_k thanks Kelly for leading the chat tonight! Here is a little something I shared earlier that should make you feel much better about all the marking you didn’t do this weekend ☺️ #aussieED
Again depends on the type of course being delivered. For vocational education aimed at preparing a S for a trade then the S needs to get it right and may need to repeat until they do so. #aussieED
I’m working on the premise that if it can be Googled, it isn’t a priority. Capabilities guided by curriculum content works pretty well for us. #aussieED
Communal learning is a good thing. Put strategies in place to allow those who have slipped behind to catch up, don’t alter their curriculum so they fall back further #AussieED
Q8 - Educators know that students learn at different paces. Knowing this, why is hard for some to accept reassessment as a valuable process? What are some of the mindset changes teachers need to overcome before they can implement reassessment in a meaningful way? #aussieED
Changing the education policy in this country could have the greatest impact not the least. Far greater impact on student outcomes than better assessment techniques in my opinion. I believe teachers need to unite and agitate for real change #aussieED
Thanks for joining us for tonight's #aussieED chat on Assessment - we hope to have a record of this and future chats captured on our website - https://t.co/WxvPvSZ0oQ
Thanks for joining us for tonight's #aussieED chat on Assessment - we hope to have a record of this and future chats captured on our website - https://t.co/WxvPvSZ0oQ
I’m with you! So much needs to change. What I was saying was we change where we can change. Some things are beyond our control (at the moment). #aussieED
Changing the education policy in this country could have the greatest impact not the least. Far greater impact on student outcomes than better assessment techniques in my opinion. I believe teachers need to unite and agitate for real change #aussieED
The worst thing about the end of the #aussieED chats each Sunday is it means the weekend's over, it's time for bed & Monday is just that little bit closer!! Have a great week :)
A7 - Agree with Kelly, feedback needs to be honest and easy for the Ss to understand but also need a purpose behind it so the Ss can take something away to work on for their next piece of work #aussieED
A7. Feedback has to be honest and easy for the Ss to understand. There's no point providing pages of feedback to a student who struggles with the basics. #aussieED
This post explains why we have decided to bring back exams in our Middle School. Not necessarily for their assessment value, but because of the revision they require. #AussieEd
Yes - would have a task sheet with a number of objectives ie - problem statement, solution, research book, etc. if they want to deliver it in a poster, great - if written great too... #aussieED
The worst thing about the end of the #aussieED chats each Sunday is it means the weekend's over, it's time for bed & Monday is just that little bit closer!! Have a great week :)
So where do we start? How do we get @Birmo to join in the #aussieED conversation? Do you have any sway there? I could ask @DavidElliottMP to have a word for me!
CAn you give her some specific feedback @MRsalakas ? You can borrow my 2 Stars and a Wish stamp if you like :-) Thanks @Hobson_k - a very lively chat!! #aussieED
In reply to
@MRsalakas, @Hobson_k, @MRsalakas, @Hobson_k
So the way they tried to get you to drink your antibiotics that tasted like vomit was to flavour it the same way? That’s odd. Surprised that didn’t work! #aussieED
This was going to Q9 - There is a common concern that reassessment does not prepare learners for the real world. Can you think of a time in your adult life when you reassessed? How did it benefit you and how can we use this same process to benefit our students? #aussieED
The (early) middle years are the best. They love my jokes and believe when I tell them that chocolate milkshakes are made by feeding cows chocolate and shaking them! #aussieED#dadjokes
For me it is 10.45 am GMT so still have the rest of the day to look forward to. The sun is shining and I may go for a walk to add miles to #walk1000miles in 2018. #aussieED
Thanks @Hobson_k & the #aussieED crew. I’d even go so far as to say that was the most decent chat I’ve had on what is usually such a loathsome topic! Enjoy the week ahead 😀
Thanks @Hobson_k and #aussieED for tonights chat. I learned lots. Got a new recipe to try and had some fun too. Can’t wait to have my students assess me Tuesday. #seehowigo
#aussieED HS maths tchr here. Can confirm. Have been seeding the idea that students should be permitted to retake a test multiple times until they reach a set standard of competence. Signif resistance - claims of unfairness, "should be teaching it properly in the first place",etc
A9) How many times you fail your drivers licence tests, Kelly!?!? I might’ve needed a couple of goes. Taxes, teaching accreditation (HALT) etc. When in the “real world” is there an example of one-and-done? #aussieed
#aussieED Wd rather encourage the mindset that students shouldn't finish a topic until they know it. Students just shrug shoulders & forget the
"bad" topic, teachers use it as excuse to ignore student needs. Students get further behind as haven't learned prereqs 4 later topics
Would love to arrange a #mysteryskype with another class outside of Australia. I have both 8 and 9 classes and teach in Melbourne, Australia. #aussieEd
This has got to be one of the poorest thought out proposals I’ve ever read from a politician— https://t.co/0Zc8CGkBfg#aussieED I’d love to tweet Hon S. Handcock but she has no twitter! Dear @smh do teachers get right of reply?
A8: for too long assessment has been about “mastery right now” because of the scope and sequence race and pressures to get to the end. Instead the focus should be on “mastery.” It does no good Ts get to end of the race if the students stopped half way through it #aussieED
#aussieED Gave up on mine. The Ethernet port is crap and the cable doesn't stay in. The CAPS LOCK key fell off the third week I had it. Ended up buying a Lenovo MIIX 710 for the stylus and touch screen.
#aussieED Ironically 4 tonights chat, digimarking offers interesting possibilities such as marking student work digitally then giving them back a summary of strengths/areas 4 improv for them to mark / relearn and fix themselves on their blank original b4 giving my marked version
Matthew Jacobson, one of the NSW Department of Education's new Senior Education Officers, shares his tips as a long standing principal on getting classes off to a great start https://t.co/CO7zzCQbeO // some really great tips and advice here @teachNSW#nsweducation#aussieED
