some thoughts to share, part 5

ALWAYS have a back-up plan. You'll be glad you did, and you'll use it often...especially when dealing with technology!

Make sure that YOU, not the class, are determining the volume level of your instruction. This, for me, deserves constant reminding!

Have the following already posted on walls:
-large numbers 1-6. This way, any groups you create already know where to meet.
-"Yes" and "No" signs. It's easy to group students along a continuum using this method.
-"Consultation Station", as it's great to have a place set aside for teacher-student or peer consultation time.

After giving directions, don't answer any questions for the first 20 secconds or so. This seems harsh, but it will encourage students to
1-critically think and review what you said
2-do their own information seeking within their peer group, which is powerful for both parties
3-free you up to deal with other issues.
(Disclaimer-This is NOT to say you shouldn't be present, directive, and available for your students).

During Socratic seminars (and other student-driven discussions), I notice that many students look right at the teacher when they are speaking. Do your best to minimize visual contact with the student who is speaking. This sends the message that students, not you, are the center or the driving force of the discussion, and that the interaction should happen on a peer level.

multiple choice strategies

testimonial by real-live student about the value of these strategies:

These strategies have helped me in many ways. The thing that has helped me the most is the hint "NEVER CHANGE YOUR ANSWER UNLESS YOU HAVE NEW EVIDENCE." This has helped me with CSAP and other really important tests that I know I have ACED! I have put this on the blog mostly because I have worked hard on this and really picked up on it, so you should, too.

P.S.- Mr.Locks' class rules!

This has been written by: Daniel M


Strategies for Dealing with Multiple Choice Tests

-Use a little common sense and prior knowledge!

-Before making your choice, read the whole paragraph using the word you’re considering to confirm it makes the most sense of all your choices.

-Skip over the questions you don’t know and come back to them later. Remember to mark the questions your skipping! Why skip over a question?
1-You’re wasting time and stalling out…(and momentum is valuable when taking a test).
2-As you continue, future questions on the test may reveal clues about the question, and help you answer it.

-We can’t overstate how important using context clues are for leading a successful life...oh, yeah...and for passing tests in school!

-Watch exclusive and inclusive wording. (Things like ‘all’, none’, ‘every’).

-Beware of the 'none of the above' and ‘all of the above’ answer options. (The EX- and INCLUSIVES)

-Never change your answer unless you have new evidence for changing it!

-If the question is long and involved, annotate the stem before attempting to answer it. Yes, this takes more time, but it’s worth it!