Today is test day (best day??) in my classroom and it is not going well. I find it very hard not to take these days personal. What am I doing wrong? What can I do better to help my students? I see tests as not just an evaluation of my students, but of myself as well. When they struggle, it is hard to not feel like I am failing as well. Then I think back to myself as a student. When I had a test I studied. I reviewed my notes, made flash cards, reviewed problems, I knew when I was prepared or not, and I was always prepared. I know I am different than my students, but how much of their success is my responsibility and how much is their own? I know they need to take responsibility for their own future and grades, but I would by lying if I said I walked out of my classroom able to leave their challenges behind. They weigh on me day and night and I internalize it as my own failure.
At the same time I am frustrated. Yesterday I gave them a review that mirrored exactly what the test would be and yet they are still confused today. Why didn't you ask questions then? Why didn't you work hard yesterday? Those that did the review, and actually did it themselves are doing fine, but many that cheated or didn't try are struggling today. I even warned them of this. I told them the assignment was not for a grade, but to prepare them for today. I was concerned about the test. Most of the test was on material we had not reviewed in over two weeks so I gave them a supper helpful review, and still they didn't take advantage it. If they are not using the opportunities I give them, do I give them more and let them retake their test? This time, probably not. I want them to see the consequences of their choices, but I still have this voice in the back of my head telling me I not supporting them to be successful. Did my teachers feel like this? My student do fine in class. Complete lots of work correctly, but when it comes to the test many struggle. I backwards plan and align all my in class material to the tests, but they don't study and they copy. So what can I do to make up for that? I could have better systems, more interactive assignments, stronger incentives, or find a way to build their intrinsic motivation. The rest of the week will include some deep reflection for sure.
Just got my first 100 and four 93s though, so maybe I only kinda suck at this.
At the same time I am frustrated. Yesterday I gave them a review that mirrored exactly what the test would be and yet they are still confused today. Why didn't you ask questions then? Why didn't you work hard yesterday? Those that did the review, and actually did it themselves are doing fine, but many that cheated or didn't try are struggling today. I even warned them of this. I told them the assignment was not for a grade, but to prepare them for today. I was concerned about the test. Most of the test was on material we had not reviewed in over two weeks so I gave them a supper helpful review, and still they didn't take advantage it. If they are not using the opportunities I give them, do I give them more and let them retake their test? This time, probably not. I want them to see the consequences of their choices, but I still have this voice in the back of my head telling me I not supporting them to be successful. Did my teachers feel like this? My student do fine in class. Complete lots of work correctly, but when it comes to the test many struggle. I backwards plan and align all my in class material to the tests, but they don't study and they copy. So what can I do to make up for that? I could have better systems, more interactive assignments, stronger incentives, or find a way to build their intrinsic motivation. The rest of the week will include some deep reflection for sure.
Just got my first 100 and four 93s though, so maybe I only kinda suck at this.
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