Student Progress
Monitoring student progress is integral to quality teaching and learning. There are many ways in which teachers can accomplish this goal: documentation of progress, using pre/post test data, and communicating and reflecting on progress made by students. By combining all of these elements, teachers are better equipped to enable students to reach their full potential.
Documenting Progress
During my student teaching each day my US history students had to complete a short quiz on the lecture the night before. This quiz not only served as motivation for students to do their homework, but also allowed me to check that they understood the main points of the lecture. After the quiz, during which I reviewed the scores as they rolled in, we held a short discussion on the material. This helped fill any gaps students might have had, clarify any concerns, as well as connect the material to what was being done in class that day.
Pre/Post Test Data
By issuing a pretest I was able to gauge where my students were in their knowledge of material and could more carefully tailor my lessons to meet their needs. After moving through the material, students were tested again on the same questions. This served as a reflection on the teacher’s part as well as a way to measure student progress. By reflecting on the data, I was able to see where students needed reinforcement as well as where they excelled, which could be celebrated. During my student teaching experience this was done with the Revolutionary War time frame. Students answered questions of the events during the war as well as the government steps taken immediately after the war. After reviewing the data week points were identified and activities developed to help students strengthen their knowledge in those area.
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Communication/
Reflection
Making sure to communicate with students and parents allowed for a better understanding of how students could progress in the classroom. Students are often curious by nature as to how it is they are doing. By conferencing with them they know both where they are currently and where they stand to go and how to do so. Students can also expedite their progress by conferencing and communicating specific needs and struggles. Communication can also take place just by leaving notes on student work to be seen when handed back.
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For more thoughts on student academic progress, please check here.