#NVedchat Archive
#NVedchat is dedicated to increasing communication and collaboration of education related topics in the State of Nevada. Originally, created by Mr. Snehal Bhakta.
Monday April 11, 2016
For tonight’s chat, we will use Q1, Q2… format for Questions. Please use A1, A2… format for answers & include
Let’s start by giving a S/O to another educator(s) using their twitter handle & the hashtag to join us tonight!
Now share how much you studied for tests and why? (bonus points for a pic)
Come on out with the cool kids!
Never studied for tests until college, I was fortunate enough that school came easy to me. College was a different story though
I was one of those last minute study folks. Either I knew it and just crammed or I just crammed. https://t.co/5WPb7IrUCX
A1 I was definitely queen of the flashcards!
Yes that whole college learning curve was STEEP! then again I cared at that point https://t.co/yOhHwQv4G7
Never studied for tests until college, I was fortunate enough that school came easy to me. College was a different story though
Q1-Are time limits for testing putting too much pressure on students at a young age or preparing them for real life?
. I was devastated when I got a 3.1 first semester of college, that was hard to swallow after a 3.9 in HS
History of the Eng. Lang in college almost got me kicked out by my roommates.I was no fun in study mode! https://t.co/54nfEFVcka
A1: If we are testing them on how well they take a test, then there is no problem. When can we test for growth?
I'd a been stoked with a 3.1 I got to experience academic probation https://t.co/tzxcVzWIwU
. I was devastated when I got a 3.1 first semester of college, that was hard to swallow after a 3.9 in HS
A1: I attended non-graded elementary school, so I learned to study as part of learning not testing. Still do it that way.
A1-Time limits are every test might be a little too much. Sometimes it's good to mix it up so students don't get burned out.
A1: To be frank and blunt, time limits on tests are stupid. Real world has time limits, but its apples and oranges
A1:Time limits hinder process but I do agree that time limits/deadlines are a real-world thing.
A1: In real-life we rarely place time limits on learning. Retakes and Redo's happen all the time. Why not in school?
Hmm can't think of test as adult that has a time limit-do drivers tests? Time limits punish deep thinkers https://t.co/5vOnTnxNzu
Q1-Are time limits for testing putting too much pressure on students at a young age or preparing them for real life?
A1- once they get to HS the ACT & SAT are timed. Having timed tests earlier will prepare them. Even if I don't agree with it.
A1. they need time limits. Otherwise they sit there and look around and waste time if given unlimited time.
I think that the ACT and SAT being times are ridiculous as well but that's the nature of the beast
Agreed. Public & Political minds have too much influence on testing time limits. Teachers/students should have input
A1 We are expecting excellence from students but excellence isn't always produced in 60 minutes!!!
true even though colleges moving from these many are not so still a necessary evil https://t.co/3xD9SpA0eL
A1- once they get to HS the ACT & SAT are timed. Having timed tests earlier will prepare them. Even if I don't agree with it.
Q2-Does testing with distractions provide a better indicator of future success vs. do not disturb? Why or why not?
A2: Some need the peace and quiet to concentrate, but distractions are more real world https://t.co/hHCBK8vLAU
Q2-Does testing with distractions provide a better indicator of future success vs. do not disturb? Why or why not?
A2. . Do not disturb is better. They are nervous enough about testing. Distractions will not help.
A2-If you can hear a pin drop, then it's unrealistic situation to prepare students for... if they really know it...won't matter.
A2: Distractions detract from the serious nature testing gurus try to enforce. Performance tasks seem more relevant
A2:subjective--some learners need sacred space some can work w/distraction.I read/work with music blasting,doesn't work for all.
Good ?-most testing situations don't have distractions-be able 2 complete tasks w/ distractions more real https://t.co/M5w9oiIHfD
Q2-Does testing with distractions provide a better indicator of future success vs. do not disturb? Why or why not?
agree-depends on person https://t.co/i10fOhpm4z
A2:subjective--some learners need sacred space some can work w/distraction.I read/work with music blasting,doesn't work for all.
A2 need 2 complete everyday task with distractions-this is real life-so do tests mimic real life ? thats the ? Depends on 1s view
A2- I think kids should be allowed to listen to music if they want to. Silence is good for some.
Q3-Should testing, even quizzes be “outsourced” so educators can focus on learning and student achievement based on those scores?
. I do work on my prep with music and people coming in an out of my room, yelling toddlers at home, but that's me
Performance tasks more real-over longer period with some distractions-this is like jobs our Ss will have https://t.co/NAy3SRp3bA
A2: Distractions detract from the serious nature testing gurus try to enforce. Performance tasks seem more relevant
A3 heck no! Ts know WHAT needs to be assessed and HOW
A3-Interesting notion. Districts outsource busing, food services, etc... why not? The results could be very eye opening.
Love me ADHD brain-its how I work-silence freaks me out a bit-why meditation is hard work for me https://t.co/oPrnvNy2DX
. I do work on my prep with music and people coming in an out of my room, yelling toddlers at home, but that's me
A3: How else does a T analyze what Ss have learned if the assessments go elsewhere? I like having my data instantaneous
A3: Ts need to be able to differentiate based on how kids do. Ts should be the front line in assessment
A3:Ts can evaluated data more quickly with T created assessment. No lag time b/w assessment and scoring.
A3 Ts need timely and relevant tests. Outsourcing doesn’t know students learning modalities
Q4-Does interfere with learning? Why or Why not?
A3 other companies would design test to LCD or maybe HCD, but not what the T actually needs
A3: It can't be outsourced to non-educators. Defeats the purpose of qualified t's in our schools.
A4 today’s testing atmosphere, standardized testing? YES! In a big way
A4: Good instruction should involve assessing learning in class. Too much state/district testing gets in the way of learning
A3- outsourced or not, we'd still be held accountable for student success/failure. Standardized testing is a money making scheme.
A4-In some cases it can. Traditional forms of testing may no longer be a true indicator of learning w/ advent of Internet
A4:When focus is how to pass a test rather than focus on individuals, yes it absolutely is an interference https://t.co/LxeWEHBpI7
Q4-Does interfere with learning? Why or Why not?
A4: No but it depends...testing calendar can add up to more days than you think sometimes esp at end of year.
A4: Testing focuses on an end result. We need to focus more on process and less on product. We learn more from the journey.
A1 - Depends on age, the older the Ss get, the more time should replicate pressure and critical thinking.
So true! Too much value and importance on testing. HS Diplomas should represent how far students have come!
A4 no-good tests ensure we collect data 2 inform future instruction-not tests that are bad but how we use https://t.co/nuc29rKh6n
Q4-Does interfere with learning? Why or Why not?
A2 - Distractions will come in many forms outside of academia. It is on the Ss to find ways to tune them out.
I think this sometimes this has to do with lack of good scheduling-also when tests duplicate info https://t.co/kcWdi4ycAV
A4: No but it depends...testing calendar can add up to more days than you think sometimes esp at end of year.
A3 - No because it takes away the authenticity and T-S connections. Ss become figures if outsourced
Q5-If you could test anyway, any form, etc…, then what would it be and look like? (Ideal test/environment)
A4- Yes. I feel like I lose way too much class time to give tests or teach to a test. I'm over it. It's phony.
A4 - Yes it interferes. The focus shifts to teaching to a test rather than teaching for content
A5 performance tasks over longer period that allow for retakes based on information given after 1st time https://t.co/sjFiA1s5Ob
Q5-If you could test anyway, any form, etc…, then what would it be and look like? (Ideal test/environment)
A5: It would most likely involve a short series of critical thinking questions that Ss would answer orally https://t.co/VkUQUaRHb8
Q5-If you could test anyway, any form, etc…, then what would it be and look like? (Ideal test/environment)
A5: I like portfolio review and PBL.
A5-I would love to see more open collaboration testing. Working together on solving a complex problem simulates real world.
A5: I liked using pretest/posttest to measure growth. It also allowed me to differentiate instruction based on the pretest
uggg-wonder how much of that is the same info-hard with tests for each sub. especially with AP https://t.co/NFADpCGhFG
we have EOC followed by AP followed by finals. Not all kids, but some will test for 5 solid weeks. That is stressful!
A5: I'd give s's voice and choice in their assessments. Allow them to show mastery in a variety of ways. https://t.co/Eb0ZOoLHD6
Q5-If you could test anyway, any form, etc…, then what would it be and look like? (Ideal test/environment)
A5 cont: As a US History T, questions would have to focus on connections, cause, and effect to today, make it meaningful
A4 . Tough question because every kid is different. For some yes and others no 😐
I like the oral portion. They need to be able to communicate solutions not mark A, B, C, D, E.
A5 more tests that combine subject areas-show how application connects content
I've been advocating for this, but lot's of old school thinking to overcome...
Thank you for joining tonight’s on : Do Not Disturb.
Continue the conversation by using the hashtag all week long! See you next Monday @ 8pm PST.
don't see why EOCs can't connect together-especially with more PBLs
FYI 21st Century Learning Conference in Las Vegas on Sept 30 & Oct 1, more details to follow soon!
A5- I would prefer to base grades on papers, discussions, and such. If I could avoid all testing I would.
A5: I would like digital portfolios to use to demonstrate Ss understanding and growth with the particular standards under study.
Creation of a "real-world" product. Think project-based learning
In case my peeps haven't already noticed, I'm a project-based learner advocate.
