Math Quiz and other thoughts

This week was an interesting one in 6We.  Students recently had their first real "test" of their knowledge in Math with a quiz on Factors and Factorization.  Needless to say, there were a lot of nerves going into it, as students wondered what to expect.  As their teacher, I always wonder what to expect too.  I ask myself many questions - did I explain the concepts clearly?- did they have enough practice?- do they know how to study? 

After the quizzes were returned there were lots of crestfallen faces, and a few proud and content ones.  Although there were very strict guidelines about sharing of their marks- students are not allowed to ask how someone did, but are free to share in a respectful manner without bragging or put-downs- it was obvious to all students that there was a wide range of achievement. Students were given the opportunity to immediately investigate their responses, check their notes and begin corrections.  There were still a lot of tears, and exclamations of frustration.  As students began to research what it is they don't yet know or what it is they struggle with, those exclamations were replaced by cries of "oh" and "I get it now". 

Students were assigned quiz corrections as homework and were told there would be a quiz rewrite two days later.  When they arrived to class and were given the same quiz, and told they could use their original quiz and corrections to complete the re-write, the students were immediately buzzing with excitement.  Those students that neglected to do the corrections as assigned, or who left them at home, were a little less so.

Both Mrs Wood and I have worked extensively with the class the past few days around the concept of "ownership of learning" or constructivism.  Students have begun to see that the responsibility of learning lies with the learner, and that they have the tools and the power to understand what they don't yet know.  Students have begun to realize that while "mom wants me to ask for extra help", that they too have the power to ask.

Unsuprisingly, the results of the quiz rewrites were terrific.  Those students who neglected to do or bring their corrections have an additional day to do so, so they may too complete their re-write.  Will all future quizzes and tests in grade 6 be conducted the same way?  Probably not, but the students of 6We now realize the purpose of tests aren't to see what they don't know, but are there to encourage them to take charge and that they are responsible for, and capable of, their own achievement.