Learning the Ropes

Today the 4/5s were introduced to the on-line version of the math MCA. It's early in the year and we took care to remind them that this was an opportunity to get used to the tools and the layout of the on-line test. It's also a chance for us as teachers to know what we still get to teach them and what is more secure.

At Prairie Creek, we hope to put all opportunities to show what you know in context. In the case of the MCA, we talk to the children about why the state asks schools to give the test (to make sure that all schools are teaching kids), what it is able to measure (familiarity with certain math vocabulary and skills), and what it isn't able to measure (one's ability to explain one's thinking, approach problems creatively, apply one's knowledge in new situations, persevere and struggle). I know that if the state had the money, they would want to send an emissary to see the learning the students demonstrate during honors projects or a math debate. In a previous version of the test, students were asked to explain how they solved an open ended problem that had multiple solutions. That element was too expensive to assess so it was dropped.

There are four elements of being a good test taker, that is someone who is able to demonstrate what they know on a standardized test:

Be relaxed and find humor.
Think about questions as a puzzle, something to figure out not just know automatically. Be interested in what you're doing.
Know what to expect – look at sample problems, get comfortable with the layout of the test.
Triple check your work.

Today's work was really focusing on the third tip – knowing what to expect. Students explored tools such as "text to speech," "flag to review," highlighting, strike through and a virtual calculator. We made sure they understood that many of the things on the test would be unfamiliar to them and that we were excited to be able to teach them in the months ahead.

As a last note, in my years of teaching, I've found that approaching all tests, especially standardized tests as fun puzzles enables students to relax and approach testing situations with an open and more relaxed mind. I have encountered very few students who experience test anxiety when they are given the context for the test and some positive ways to think about it. If you struggled with test anxiety as a child or young adult, your feelings may still be very strong when it comes to testing. Our philosophical beliefs about testing can also affect students' approach to the test (something I'm very careful about, personally.) Children watch us to know how to react in situations. Staying calm, supportive and positive will help your child show what he or she knows in a variety of situations, including standardized tests.