September 10, 2015
Today's post is going to focus on tests; specifically tests in a first grade classroom. When you are testing in older grades you will probably take for granted the basic requirements that there are for taking a test, writing and reading. My first graders took their first math test. It's been a while since I was in first grade myself, so at first it came as a shock that when the tests were passed out the students didn't begin silently working on it themselves. Less than half of the class was capable of reading the directions or word problems. This would inevitably effect their grade and would result in a grade that did not reflect their knowledge of the material. To address this issue the teacher reads the test to the class question by question. After she reads the last question she goes back and re-reads the test so the students can check their answers. This method seemed very effective.
My co-op was preparing the religion test for the next day. This is another test she was going to read to them while they complete however their was another problem she showed me that is common. First grade students are still building their vocabulary. Using 'True and False' on a test could cause an issue if students don't know those terms yet. The teacher used the words 'Yes or No' instead.
I'm interested to see how the test taking methodology will change throughout the year as students build their reading, writing and vocabulary skills.
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