Every time I see this commercial I cannot help but laugh. Probably because there is a lot of truth in this video. Other than the obvious language barrier... what else should have been done better?

Thoughts?

It seems to me that the older man assumed the younger man knew what he was supposed to do. He gave him a quick reminder of what each button and gadget on the wall does. After the quick tutorial and a slap on the back, off he went. Did you see any confirmation of learning? Was the older man concerned that the younger man actually knew what he was doing?

This is where formative assessment comes into play in the classroom. Let's look at this situation. After the quick review of the buttons and gadgets the older man could have asked the younger man to demonstrate his knowledge in several ways. Here are just a few:

1. Have the younger man repeat back what each button/gadget does
2. Talk through a scenario of what-ifs with the younger man
3. Have the younger man demonstrate what to do after being given a prompt.

All of these are examples of formative assessment. Any of these will show the older man if the younger man can handle being left alone at the work station. If the older man feels the younger man cannot perform the task, the re-teaching occurs then and there. That simple.

The same applies in the classroom.

Why am I dissecting this video so much? Because it applies to teaching and learning. Due to time constraints educators often assume kids know what we need them to know and we just keep on going in the curriculum. When a kid fails a test (summative assessment) we put the ownness on them to attend tutorials and complete corrections or re-take the test. I am fine with responsibility being put on the student but we have to live up to our responsibility as well. Checking to ensure kids learned what we needed them to learn.

How do we do that? Take a few minutes to conduct formative assessment so that we know if kids got it or not.

1. Have them tell you or an elbow partner what they learned and how that applies.
2. Have them write a summary of what they know over the topic.
3. Use a technology tool (video below) to asses their knowledge quickly.
4. Use white board slates and have students hold up their responses so only you can see their responses.
   
5. Simple thumbs up and thumbs down.

When we take the time to conduct formative assessments we are taking the time to determine what we need to teach next. We are meeting our kids where they are currently and working to get them to where we need them to be.

So now, I have one question for you:

What are you thinking about?

Think. Achieve. Succeed.

Jeff

Project-Based Learning Is Great For Differentiation!

Project-based learning is a great way to meet the needs of students at all different levels within the classroom. Through PBLs, students are able to learn at their own pace and be engaged at high levels. Students who need support are able to receive individualized support from peers and the teacher, and our higher achieving students can stretch their learning as well.

Here are some easy things to incorporate into PBL to deliver your lesson in different ways:

• Videos

• Reading selections

• Writing assignments

• Building a 3D model

• Discussion

What are some ways that you have used PBL in your classroom?

Flip Grid

Flip Grid is a great tool that you can use to do formative assessment in your classroom! Flip grid basically allows the teacher to create a question. The students will get a code for the assignment and can submit a video response from either the Flipgrid app or Flipgrid website: https://info.flipgrid.com/. They do NOT need a login, and the video response can be between 15 seconds and a few minutes.

Below is a quick overview video (less than a minute).

• No Classes
• We are going to the Ropes Course!
• Wear clothes to be outside all morning. Shorts are okay!
• Wear CLOSED TOE Shoes -- no sandals/ flip flops
• There will be bottle water at the Ropes Course but feel free to bring your own water container too!
• Report to AMCMS by 8:15
• Load buses at the front of the school and drive to the TAMU ChallengeWorks Ropes Course
• Lunch ~12:00 - 1:30 (depends upon when we return to AMCMS)
• Be in Lecture Hall 1:30 for Culturally Relevant Teaching Training
• We will be on campus until 4pm
• SELT Team Meeting -- 4pm Lecture Hall

Tuesday October 10

• Morning Tutorials 7:50-8:20
• Be at your duty station-- 7:50
• Mann and Pomales at Success Team -- AM Session
• Feagan at Success Team -- PM Session
• Be at your duty station-- 3:50
• Afternoon Tutorials 3:55 - 4:30
• Football Games -- Maroon / Black vs Huntsville. 7th grade @ AMCMS ; 8th grade @ Hunstville
• #CSISDChat on Twitter -- 8pm

Wednesday October 11

• Morning Tutorials 7:50-8:20
• Be at your duty station-- 7:50
• Be at your duty station-- 3:50
• Mann at middle school principals' meeting-- 1:30
• Afternoon Tutorials 3:55 - 4:30
• Football Games -- 7th grade White vs Huntsville @ AMCMS

Thursday October 12

• Morning Tutorials 7:50-8:20
• Be at your duty station-- 7:50
• Be at your duty station-- 3:50
• Afternoon Tutorials 3:55 - 4:30

Friday October 13

• Morning Tutorials 7:50-8:20
• Be at your duty station-- 7:50
• Be at your duty station-- 3:50

Email: jmann@csisd.org
Website: http://amcms.csisd.org/
Location: 105 Holik Street, College Station, TX, United States
Phone: 979-764-5575
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMCMS.Home.of.the.Cats
Twitter: @AMCMSCatPRIDE