Module Post #4

Smart Goal Update:

Enhancing Student Engagement in Mathematical Problem Solving:

I introduced Minecraft Education to teach coding to my students, aiming to increase student engagement in mathematics. Students love Minecraft because it captures their attention in a fun learning environment, helping them develop critical skills. Minecraft Education extends this learning environment. When coding with Minecraft, students can design their own worlds, build structures, and automate processes. Additionally, it allows for cross-curricular assignments in other subjects such as science, social studies, and language arts. Overall, it provides an inclusive and enjoyable environment where learners of all abilities can thrive.

Two pieces of work:

I selected my storybook as an artifact because it allows me to express my creativity. Moreover, it serves as an explanation of the assessment process. Assessment for, as, and of learning plays a pivotal role in teaching. It encourages students to reflect on their learning process, empowers them to set goals, monitor progress, and develop skills beyond the classroom—skills they will need throughout their lives.

Descriptive feedback is something I constantly use in my life. Not only do I employ it in my class, but I also apply it consistently while coaching my son's youth baseball team. It resonates with me because it is crucial to our students' learning. Providing specific information about their strengths and areas for improvement helps students understand their progress and identify their next steps.

Reflection on providing equitable assessment and evaluation for students: 

Assessment is one of the most challenging teaching areas because no two students are alike. I like how this module emphasized the importance of considering a student's diverse needs, backgrounds, and abilities. Assessments should also be tailored to promote equity and encourage transparency when grading our students. Assessment should include inclusive language and diverse examples because representation matters in assessment. One key takeaway was that students should be involved in assessment decisions by allowing them to choose assessment formats. 

What new ideas, strategies and approaches have you learned with respect to assessment and evaluation from this Module?

A new strategy I plan to implement in my classroom involves providing authentic assessments for my students. My goal is to establish real-world connections, enabling students to acquire meaningful knowledge and apply skills beyond traditional tests or quizzes. Whenever feasible, I aim to design assessments that reach an authentic audience beyond the teacher. This could involve having peers, community members, or professionals in the field assess our students' work, thereby increasing its relevance and impact. Lastly, I want my students to demonstrate their abilities in diverse ways. This assessment approach may encompass various techniques, including projects, presentations, portfolios, and performances.