#Ntchat Archive
New Teacher Chat was created to provide weekly mentoring and focus on the needs of new, new to the profession and pre-service teachers. The chat is supportive and practitioner focused.
Wednesday March 2, 2016
Getting ready for teacher chat
For the next hour my tweets are dedicated to talking about assessment with everyone at
Welcome to all! I'm the founder and moderator of New Teacher Chat Join me for this time of learning and collaboration!!
Great to see you here tonight!
To join the chat use Tweetdeck,Tweetchat, Participate Learning or other client with columns. Use the hashtag to join the convo!
Hi! I'm Sally Taylor, a pre-service a teacher from Grove City College.
looking forward to learning from you
Welcome Sally! Great to have you here. :)
glad I caught you guys! CJ here - third year teacher from Ontario Canada
We’re a small, but mighty chat...dedicated to being practitioner focused and supportive to new teachers! https://t.co/YdjDV3utqy
Great! CJ we have been here for almost 6 years!
Hi I'm Dawn. I teach K-5 science in Indianapolis, IN
Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves. Share who you are and where you’re from! Thanks
Hi . I am the opposite of a new teacher but here to contribute 4 decades of experience.
Wonderful! We love to have our experienced passionate, teachers joining us!
Dawn from MI here. 2nd grade teacher at a small christian school. Still new to chats, but catching on.
Lisa Dabbs Founder from So Cal. Consultant, blogger, speaker, author, Adjunct Prof & former principal. My message-
Kayla from Texas 21 years in K and a new teacher to 2nd & 3rd reading this year
Hello, I am Shelby Foley. I am currently in college studying to be a teacher.
Welcome to our chat, Kayla! Lovely to have you here sharing your thoughts!
Hi! I'm Natasha. I am a pre service teacher
Welcome to our chat! So great that you made time to join us tonight!
Khrisna from Brooklyn College currently student teaching, 7-12
Welcome! So good to have to have you joining us!
Howard Pitler joining from Denver. Author, coach, former teacher and principal, lover of learning and passionate about kids.
New Twitter chatters: format is Q1: “question here”. You replay with A1: "your response". Don't forget to include :)
Question 1 will be up on deck in 30 seconds!
A1: The point of teaching is for my kids to learn--if I never assess them, how do I know if they're actually learning?
A1: to know if learning and growth is happening in your classroom everyday
A1: Assessment lets me know--am I doing a good job? Are the kids getting it? Do we need to move on, move slower, go faster?
Assessment is important. So that we can assess out students strengths and weaknesses.
A1 - Assessment shows us what our Ss know and understand and help guide our instruction.
Excellent...and so true. It is so important to have a "read" of what our kids know and can do.
A1: Assessment allows Ts to know who mastered the content and who needs more support
A1: They are important so we can see what they know, need to know, and what we need to reteach
A1: assessment is vital to learning because of what it offers. First we must know the purpose of the assessment.
and use their strengths to grow their weaknesses
A1: Formative assessment is essential and should be just about constant. Use it to give feedback to Ss and to reshape your teaching.
Agreed! We can't just teach without having an insight to the needs of our kids and how we are doing as T's.
Yes...so well said! https://t.co/ZlVvBN0j57
A1: Formative assessment is essential and should be just about constant. Use it to give feedback to Ss and to reshape your teaching.
A1 If Ts don't assess where your Ss are at in their learning then Ts don't know if they are learning or if the method is good
We're here to facilitate growth of knowledge assessments allow us to evaluate the spaces we use to do this work and tweak our plan
We know assessments are important, but how can you use them without driving yourself crazy? Find out here: https://t.co/5xBFpusAT3
A1- assessment is important because it helps us understand what the students do well on and what they need to approve.
Indeed! It's not enough to just "know" we need to seek evidence that our kids "get it".
a1: do we want the assessment for evaluation or progression? Purpose is vital to any assessment
Assessment used as a tool to see where the Ss are and where we need to go
Jim Smith, Assessment Associate Solution Tree. Starting a new chat dedicated to assessment. Hoping to support new teachers as well.
A1: Assessment is important because I want to know which areas my students need more assistance in for the material that I cover.
A1: Let's draw the distinction between formative and summative assessment. We are all talking formative here.
Yes! This is vital to their success and yours as their instructor.
A1: I think assessment is important because without it we do not know how our students are doing.
I couldn't agree more. We must see what students need the extra support so that they can learn the content
Beginning to think we have to look at outcomes more in the spaces and interactions of learning rather than individuals.
Assessment is also important so that the students can know how they are doing themselves. To test their own learning.
A1: formative assessment is one of the most vital components of instruction.if all components are enhanced
A1 Assessment used as a tool to see where Ss are and where we need to go.
I love that! Yes...we are going to talk about that in a few minutes so good thought!
Such great responses to the Q. Question 2 will be up on deck in 3,2,1
If assessment eating up instructional time than we're doing it wrong. Reflective feedback that drives learning can't be separated.
A1: grading, feedback, questioning, peer and self assessment are all company's of formative assessment
A1: Good formative assessments allow Ts to provide good feedback. Feedback - right, wrong, next. https://t.co/AvD3V38KnU
Q2: We are all aware of paper/pencil assessments. But...what types of non-paper assessments have you used?
This is a most critical use. To help students invest in their learning. https://t.co/TT7mA8yNYK
Assessment is also important so that the students can know how they are doing themselves. To test their own learning.
This is exactly why I believe assessments are important. We need to see who needs extra support
Yes! My Ss set goals and then we check progress on reaching their goal.
I use a stoplight for kids to touch as they leave my room showing how comfortable they feel with the day's topic, exit tix, kahoot
This is where I do not fear learning analytics as much. I would love to see what patterns surface in discourse or student writing.
That is so creative and love that you are getting a social/emotional read! https://t.co/4RSeyEzK30
I use a stoplight for kids to touch as they leave my room showing how comfortable they feel with the day's topic, exit tix, kahoot
A2: Nonpaper assess examples:
A1: assessment is important because it drives instruction whether demonstrating a need for teaching and reteaching or enrichment
A2 - sometimes 1 on 1 conversations or conferences allow me to assess Ss in reading and writing
A2: informal assessments are great also. All teachers have used them but how have informal assessments been tracked
A2: As a kinder teacher I played a Math Their Way "hand game" to check on N & O skills. Played at the door on the way out or home.
A2: I have used the diagrams that my students have created a formative assessment.
A2- I have worked with Kahoot before and it's a great way to asses students and ask for their opinion while being anonymous.
A2: class discussions can be a great formative assessment
I agree! Though I would add a "Review the students goal (hopefully they set with you) to the RIGHT column.
A2: I like using the exit ticket part of . is also great. I am looking into as a good option.
Awesome! I love ! https://t.co/KxsmqrgvAr
A2- I have worked with Kahoot before and it's a great way to asses students and ask for their opinion while being anonymous.
I also read their conclusions in their science notebooks
A2 We can assess by observation and by asking questions throughout the class to see where Ss are at.
That is smart. When we analyze artifacts of student process rather than progress we capture growth over time.
Was just going to share...exit tickets are fun. Kids love them! https://t.co/0QWHRsQaUV
A2: I like using the exit ticket part of . is also great. I am looking into as a good option.
I think that it is harder for me to create my assessment first before my lesson plan.I am learning about that in my assessment class
try too! similar to kahoot but with some better options (in my opinion)
A2: thumbs up down, red, green, yellow cups, etc. how are we tracking the misconceptions of our students
A2: conversation between myself and my student and Google Slides!
A2: I have used kahoot as a fun way to see if the students understand and I have observed them to see if they get it.
Trust your eyes and ears as the best formative tools. You know your kids. You know when they don't get it.
A2: I used small white boards that students kept at their desks. Asked Q's and they wrote responses and held up the boards. :)
A2: For an exit ticket or are good options that allow a discussion
Student/teacher talk time is so essential. I love that you are doing that! https://t.co/XPb5BPubb1
A2: conversation between myself and my student and Google Slides!
make sure to throw the questions back to the students. Too often we go Teacher-->Student--..Teacher. Next question.
the great thing about formative assessment strategies is that you can create them on the fly when you can tell you need them.
A2: google docs, using the comment feature
A2: Twitter responses, rap battles that involve our topic, student interviews, 4corners, t or f mvnt math function dances
Completely agree! A teacher should know their students well enough to know how they are doing.
Now that's the kind of stuff I am talking about. I will have to pick up your book.
A2: I have used silent thumbs up, middle, down to check for understanding as a formative assessment in both K and 5th grade.
For sure! Great use of tech and interactive too! https://t.co/RHgcm0peCd
A2: google docs, using the comment feature
A3: I have been using rubrics! I like to present them to the students beforehand so they know the expectations and can set goals!
A2 Guided reading groups gives me an opportunity assessment and to extend questioning to see what they are thinking
Classroom Instruction that Works, 2nd ed., though the Handbook for CITW 2nd ed. might be better.
I find this works for high school as well
This is my favorite way to assess my students and for the very reason that you have stated.
A2: using multiple desk to create a pictorial storyline with markers
A2 Assessment especially when used formatively requires action. Use a variety of assessments but plan responses intentionally.
if king of world this how we would do teval as well Lets build instructional capacity by modeling
I used to love GR when I was a teacher. So much fun and great way to be creative with literacy. https://t.co/qOfzUkTUxk
A2 Guided reading groups gives me an opportunity assessment and to extend questioning to see what they are thinking
Yes! Then we are able to differentiate for students and meet them where they're at in their understanding.
A2: A quick Google Form shot out with GClassroom. Score it in 1 click with with Flubatlroo
I am loving that you all are using creative ways to assess without paper! Question 3 will be up on deck in 30 secs.
They should know be we all somtimes get it wrong. Assess critical points in instruction.
A3) I show Ss the rubric so that they know what is expected
Yep. The key to good assessments. You can't get an "A" without failing.
I like to make props and assess as a class together. I made some happy and sad teeth for a health lesson. They worked great!
And we must differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students!
A3: I love rubrics! I like that my students will know exactly what they need to do to get the grade they want!
A4: I have students share and record their "awesome and achieve" in LA classes. They can reflect to see if they make their achieves
A3: As Adjunct we use rubrics in class for all assignments. Ss do see them beforehand. Not sure they are as valuable as I'd like.
I use rubrics for writing and special projects and I show my students but they are a little young and do not quite understand them
I have been using less in my higher ed classes and trying to get greater peer and self assessment.
I like to do more of Performance assessments. I like to make Skill- Specific Rubrics for the multiple foci
A3: most definitely. The Ss have to know the expectation a copy of the rubric is handed out along with a poster
A3 I haven't had a chance to use one yet, but I can see myself using rubrics for subjects such as reading so Ss know what's expected
A3: Yes, I use rubrics for projects or to grade our monthly. Kids see them b4 & can always access on my website
Like your line of questioning
A3: Rubrics can be useful, but it is also good to adjust them as you look through student work. Sharing the learning goals is best
A3: Don't think it's fair for kids NOT to see rubric--how can I grade them on my expectations when they didn't know my expectations?
A3: if the students are involved with creating portions of the rubric they become owners of their learning
A5: Long term projects with presentations. My students are always eager to share new knowledge through creative and verbal mediums
I use rubistar to make rubrics. They are only effective if they are given to Ss beforehand and students use them to revise the work
Amen to that! I like that too. We have weekly time in class to peer review lesson plans and its awesome. :) https://t.co/0VaeLDgi3i
I have been using less in my higher ed classes and trying to get greater peer and self assessment.
A3: Yes I use a rubric. I go over the rubric with my students so that they know what I expect and how I plan on grading them
Awesome that you find them helpful and supportive! https://t.co/0zufk20W58
A3: Yes, I use rubrics for projects or to grade our monthly. Kids see them b4 & can always access on my website
A3: Yes! Having the opportunity to student teach in Kindergarten and 5th grade I got to see how they differ between the two.
It is important for the students to know what you expect of them. https://t.co/InL3qICLGB
A3: Yes I use a rubric. I go over the rubric with my students so that they know what I expect and how I plan on grading them
Why thank you much, Sir. Been leading this chat for almost 6 yrs so I kinda got it down! lol https://t.co/hoFNwSshMY
Like your line of questioning
This is so helpful! Give kids a chance to succeed and be empowered! https://t.co/IWaCbOhR9C
A3: Yes I use a rubric. I go over the rubric with my students so that they know what I expect and how I plan on grading them
A3: Every project should have a rubric - but a rubric's primary purpose is to let learns know exactly what is expected of them.
When I taught 6th grade I would design the rubric with students. took too long so they did criterion and goal I did rest.
A3: My Read With Me rubrics allow students to assess each other in fluency on a 1 to 3 scale in smoothness,accuracy, and expression
It shows. Jim works rather than Sir
I appreciate your clarification. This is so helpful for our New/pre-serve T's in the chat! https://t.co/kE6HGQDcZF
A3: Every project should have a rubric - but a rubric's primary purpose is to let learns know exactly what is expected of them.
A3: I would give Ss the rubric beforehand because I want them to know what my expectations are. It's not a secret.
If you are talking about formal and informal formative assessment, Ts do that all of the time.
for my second graders, I use rubrics with vocabulary I want included and smiley or frowns faces instead of numbers
Here is my more individualized TAG TEAM approach I use now in my writing classes: https://t.co/n51ZDOGm1e Make your own rubric!
Awesome, thoughtful answers, friends! Question 4 will be up on deck in 30secs
Q4: How do we support students to track their own growth? What kind of tools do your use? Journals? Notebooks?
- I will try that. Thanks!
I agree! They must know what is expected of them before they do an assignment
, when I feel I have completed a concept, at the end of a lesson before leaving, during a lesson
A4: Data binders can be useful to help students to track progress and set goals
A6: assessments help create strategy groups, projects, enrichment activities, and mini lesson concepts that should be focused on
A4: In my Higher Ed class we use an actual notebook/portfolio. Hoping to see us do this in digital format, soon.
Yes! Do you use actual binders, or digital version?
Would reflection journals be a tool?
A4: Explain why it's important, explain the end goal of it. Celebrate success and encourage them to continue monitoring
A4: Use tech including Edmoto, Google Classroom, and Haiku to help Ss track progress.
I use digital science notebooks on notability app- much easier to grade from home, also really like being able to email comments
Yes! Totally. Great way for kids to actually be mindful about their learning success and failures.
A4: I like the idea of using a portfolio to track student growth. This will help them track their own growth
I've found that actual binders are more portable and easier to share with families
A4: most schools have online grade books where the parent and the student can see their grades and how they are doing in class.
Awesome sauce! This is what I'm talking about. Tech as a tool to support our pedagogy. :) https://t.co/OJ8JC7rzS6
I use digital science notebooks on notability app- much easier to grade from home, also really like being able to email comments
A4: teaching students how to self monitor. Knowing scale scores setting tangible and stretched goals.
A2 Ss built a class minecraft cathedral to show they knew the parts and layout of cathedral.
I love blogs for this as well. It ends "milk crate grading" no lugging journals everywhere.
. is THE eportfolio/journal that is changing Ss communication about what they have learned
How cool is that! https://t.co/xXCCKPhWpg
A2 Ss built a class minecraft cathedral to show they knew the parts and layout of cathedral.
our MS students have a digital folder in google drive that they share with the teacher in which they submit all their work
What a great way to support students! By blogging they are free to develop a voice! https://t.co/32gMCzOZ4j
I love blogs for this as well. It ends "milk crate grading" no lugging journals everywhere.
A4: My Ss would have a folder for each subject to track their own progress in my class.
This is awesome friends! Question 5 will be up on deck in 30 secs
Podcasting could be a way for Ss to reflect on growth. Each S could have a drive folder with personal podcasts
Q4 Ss set goals and we chart progress. Sticky notes and I convert digital for my records
now has added classroom blog where Ss can post journal entries!
I really have not had a lot of experience in giving assessment since I am still in college.
A5 I haven't had any real teaching experience, but from working in a pre-school I'd say just a lot of student-teacher interaction
A5: formative assessments, they assist with future planning and supply many components vital to understanding
Of course. No worries...you have a HUGE support team at school and now here on Twitter. :)
A4: I always allow my rdg Ss to have a goal, reach for it thru the week, and achieve it on Friday. Immediate feedback is important
Tech or non tech a formative assessment HAS to drive instruction. Exit tickets were my most effective FA. Pose essential ?s !
A5: My fav is assessments bc I know what EVERY kid is thinking RIGHT then and can change my instruction based on it
A5: I would have to say the student led conference for me was the best assessment tool . Watching students participate was cool!
A5: I love the stoplight and the Ss find it very low stress. It works for all my grade levels.
A5: Also did a great project kids could pick their own product on a topic, super great bc kids played to their own strengths
A3: rubrics are great, especially for math and writing. Here is an anchor I made for my Ss doing exemplars https://t.co/Zf3JuGUTYQ
A5: I have not really used and assessments in a classroom because I am still in school but I feel that talking with Ss would be best
However, I did notice with kindergarten it is important to do alot of action with lesson. That defiantly improved on their assess.
A5: Mine have been student conferences. They have so much to tell, but get frustrated if they have to transfer thoughts to paper
Do not under estimate the role of anchor charts and mentor texts as a tool for sellf and peer assessment.
A5 When Ss are given opp to decide on what the assessment should look like - minecraft, Ss led teaching, letters exp certain content
Having Ss use a camera to snap a picture or record an explanation are beyond powerful and on every device you own. No excuses.
I find that just observing and talking with students gives me feedback everyday on what my Ss are understanding.
So cool! How great that you are using that tool! https://t.co/Gy759A6Irr
Having Ss use a camera to snap a picture or record an explanation are beyond powerful and on every device you own. No excuses.
Yes!!! Hands on is always best- they remember so much more!
You have much experience testing. Reflect on good and not so good experiences you had. Asment should build hope.
A5: In my student teaching, I have found pre-assessments to be the most effective. They help me to better plan my instruction.
This is such a great tool. I applaud you for finding them useful! https://t.co/orQDOFUQim
A5: In my student teaching, I have found pre-assessments to be the most effective. They help me to better plan my instruction.
A5: formatively assessing Ss should be a daily occurrence, Ss need feedback daily and Ts have to know where misconceptions R daily
Ok...you have all been so supportive of each other tonight! I more Q coming up!
A1: I have found assessments as a strategy to reach each Ss individual strengths and challenges
A6: Sometimes it show me I don't need to spend as much time as I thought, sometimes realize I need to spend longer. Be flexible!!
I also like putting up "fake answers" and having the ss assess them and critique them
A6: I look at common errors that were made and develop plans to address them either in small group or whole group
Yes...insights to your instruction to tailor it to your Ss needs! https://t.co/txPfWrZEkf
A6: Sometimes it show me I don't need to spend as much time as I thought, sometimes realize I need to spend longer. Be flexible!!
A6: I can see which students are struggling and take a different approach to that topic or idea.
A6 If there are good results then keep on that path, but reflect on your teaching if you see bad results.
A5: I found that observation is a great assessment tool for kindergarteners, just watching what they are doing as they work.
A6: this should happen daily! Formatively assessing Ss is your way of knowing how to adjust instruction
A5: Plan and teach with the end in mind! Backwards mapping is key to our Ss success and ours as T's!
A6:i would look at the good and the bad on the assessment then find out if I need to spend more time on it or move on.
I can find misconceptions and try to correct them.
A6: Plan with the end in mind! Backwards mapping 3-6 mts out for our Ss success and ours as T's.
A6: providing knowledge in a systemic manner, that is def. of instruction. Create a formative assessment system
A6: Based on SS and to exit slips, I could see where students need more emphasis. I then reinforce ... https://t.co/AjPGufbEOM
A6: Do not teach in May what you did in Sept! Do mid course corrections based on assessment data.
A6: I look to see if I need to spend more time on something or if I need to find another way to teach them the content.
Yes! Seeking new avenues and revamping our pedagogy to meet Ss needs. https://t.co/qerQ1JghXc
A6: I look to see if I need to spend more time on something or if I need to find another way to teach them the content.
Starting a new chat. Looking to support new teacher. Please tweet with ideas - also join us. https://t.co/jwHgJ86Zhi
Wow! I am invigorated! That's a wrap friends! A HUGE heart felt Thank You to all of you for stopping by tonight!
A6: I would use assessment data to break my students into small groups allowing students to work together and help one another
Thank you all for a great chat!
What is your takeaway from the chat? Grab some good ideas that were shared and add them to your teaching bag of tricks!
Be sure to follow some of the new friends you met here, tonight at New Teacher Chat to continue the convo!
Feeling excited and invigorated after three chats tonight! Thanks and !
