We are done with EOCTs! Well, we finished about 2 weeks ago and are now taking finals but we are still done! In Georgia, like every other state, a end of the year test is given to assess student understanding. I scheduled about 7 days of review this year and then two weeks before the schedule was changed were I had 4 or 5 days with each class depending on when they took the test. I initially freaked out but calmed down and then was glad we had a limited number of days of review--reviewing can get pretty old for all parties involved. About 1 month before the EOCT, I gave each student a 14 front and back page packet that had 56 different pages of review. It was so big and used so many of my copies I had each student sign a form that they had received it--no extras here! They initially freaked out but I assured them that we would finish it before they realized it. I also gave each student a score sheet were I would sign-off each page as they completed it. Before the big test day, I collected just the sign-off sheet and it counted as 2 quiz grades. I was worried that students would try to forge my signature so I started by making it super personal but that took forever so I just initialed them. No student forged my signature--or at least that I picked up on! I do recommend using a big packet but only if you check it frequently, give your students work from it consistently, and check over the answers with them every time. I also want to mention that I just checked for completion and begged them to correct incorrect answers--it does not help to have a review packet with all the incorrect answers. The students mentioned that the packet went quickly--a page or two a day really pays off! As we completed a page, I posted the answer key on my bulletin board. That way, they could always refer to that to check answers in case they missed a day or had additional questions. Another teacher posted her outside her room (I have had issues with students swiping answer keys outside my room so everything remains inside.) The key to a large packet is to make a doable and to assure students you are not giving them a 56 page packet they had to complete and turn in a month later. They will procrastinate and it will be a headache for you, for them, and their parents.
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“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough” --Albert Einstein If a student understands a topic they can teach it to anyone. I have used "Teach the Class" projects before (as explained in a previous post) but I wanted something more defined. I had both of my preps choose a topic (that I had predetmined) to present in the video. Now, I gave each group the breakdown of what type or problem I wanted them to present on and an example to model off of. They had either a 1 or 1.5 days in class to finish the problems that they would present on and turn those into me and then 2 full days in class to record/upload/edit their video. Students could NOT record until their problems were checked and approved by me. Then I created playlists for each class on my YouTube account and we watched the video as their review for their final test. Each topic that was presented was a review topic--not real sure how I feel about this as a method for all students to learn 10 new topics. Most groups worked really really well and created great videos! As a class, we then spent 2 days watching the videos. This served as their review for their final test! I also brought in popcorn for one day and set up the seats auditorium style. As a double bonus--these videos were available for them to watch at home in preparation for their final test. Important Notes/Reflections: 1) Limit the number of problems each group presents--aim for the videos to be between 6 and 12 minutes. 2) Limit the number of people in group to 2-3. Any more and it becomes more difficult to film and make sure everyone has an equal part in the video 3) There were a few issues with uploading so make sure to stress the importance of figuring that out with you the teacher asap. I ended up letting the groups that could not upload present in class with some points removed. 4) Also...it can take videos 48 hours to come up when searched for. Whoops! Either make the project due a few days before you plan on showing it or have students e-mail you the link. I do plan on using this project again but I will structure it a WHOLE lot more. Overall, the students enjoyed it and it was great to see all their hard work! Links to Each Classes Playlist: 3rd Period Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL97C49542A167ED67&feature=view_all 4th Period Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5622AB2BE01B9A49&feature=view_all 5th Period Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3AC9A5D7DFB5CCDF&feature=view_all 7th Period Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3029588AC30DBD28&feature=view_all 8th Period Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0F7EF5E935C9E604&feature=mh_lolz
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Natalie Turbiville
Educator who loves math and working with students. Archives
May 2016
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