Assessments in Math Reflection

             This blog will be a reflection on the assessments in mathematics. We certainly have covered a lot about assessments in the last month and a half. I have learned so many things that I will take with me when I get my own classroom. This is even true regarding my experiences with mathematics growing up. Growing up, I was always assessed by the traditional tests and worksheets. Especially when it came to multiplication facts. We would have timed assessments for those. Throughout this semester though, I have found out just how important assessment really is in mathematics.
              The first item we discussed regarding assessment was the different kinds of assessment. This made me realize that my teachers could have used many more different types of assessment when it came to mathematics over the course of my school career. It also made me realize the many options I have as a teacher to pick from when I am assessing my students in mathematics. This class has also shown me that I need to be extra careful when it comes to choosing which assessment I will choose.  Not every assessment will be right for every type of project of problem.
                The second item discussed is interpretation and reflection when it comes to assessment. When we looked at several articles, I realized just how important reflection really is. Even if you created the rubric, you should always be reflecting on it and see if you need to make changes to make it better or more precise/clear. This will eliminate any confusions or misconceptions your students will have regarding the rubric.When it comes to interpretation, its all about making sure you know exactly what you will be assessing your students on. This will help you decide on just what will constitute what each number will represent.
               The third item discussed is what kinds of assessment she(Dr. Nugent) has used to assess us throughout the course of this class. She has used a lot of different assessments throughout the course of this class. She has had us blog, do evaluations, projects, and participation (in-class activities). All of these have been a way for her to assess not only our mathematical understanding in some instances, but our pedagogical understanding as well.
                Overall, the topic of assessment has been covered extensively throughout this class. It is extremely important. It is one of the the ways that you are able to gauge your student's progress throughout the year. It helps you decide what you need to change your strategies towards when it comes to teaching mathematics. It also helps you modify your instruction so that every student in your classroom can succeed!