Grading What Matters.....

In the article Grading What Matters, the author talks about how teachers are grading based on nonacademic standards rather than when the student is actually learning in the classroom. The article says that students are being graded on responsibility and compliance rather than what the child is actually learning and retaining in the classroom. The article then talks about teachers moving to a different way of grading and shifting their focus to higher-level thinking from compliance and memorization of facts just for a test. The author of the article was saying that you can grade for compliance, but a majority of a students grade should focus on the understanding of the material being taught to them. Separating nonacademic and academic factors in a teachers grade book allows both grading systems to be used. Moving from knowledge (students memorizing information, short-term memory) to understanding (higher order thinking, long term memory) will help students meet academic demands in their future learning.

Coming from a background of teaching at a private school for children with significant behavioral, social and emotional issues, where we do not give grades, it was difficult for me to relate to the article as a teacher. I have not had the opportunity to grade students based on their work handed in, but on their ability to really understand material given to them, using academic assessments and testing. I think this article is really informative, however, and if I have the opportunity in the future to give letter grades to students, I will definitely think of this article and target my grading system based on what the article said. In the long run, using this grading system where students are expected to use a higher level of thinking rather than bull s*%$ing their way through a paper or essay will help them through college and into their careers.

I remember being in middle/high school and getting good grades. Most of how I was assessed was through memorization of facts that I had to regurgitate onto a test. I would memorize what I needed to for the test and once the test was over, I would forget what was even on the test. I feel like the MTEL's are the same for adults. We are expected to remember information from grades K-12, especially with the general curriculum test, but once the test is over, we know we will not use any of the information we just memorized.

My first class.....

So, this is my first time writing a blog. I am usually uncomfortable with people reading my thoughts or ideas, but I guess it's time to expand my comfort zone.

Last week, class went really well. I like learning through playing games. It beats lecturing off a power point any day. I hope they continue like this through the next seven weeks. It seems like this is going to be an interesting class.

I also like using technology and learning about technology for the purpose of teaching kids today. I know that at our program, we can't afford some technology and look to grants to get what we need, but it will be nice to learn of some free technology that we can use in the classroom.

Anyway, as far as it being kind of a "late night" for us students (we are used to getting out of class around 7:30-8), I thought it was a really enjoyable class and it seems like we are in for some good times and good learning!