This week my algebra class took the end of unit assessment on functions to end our first complete unit of the semester. I was very interested to see how my students would do with the new homework policy I implemented, along with the self-assessment they have been doing with their blogs.
I was pretty impressed with the end result. Right now, in my class of 37 all students the average was 41.6/50 on the test whereas first semester the average was 40.8/50 in one class and 41.2/50 in another class. Now, I realize that these averages are pretty consistent, only a little higher this semester, but the BIG thing I have noticed is the lack of failing students in my grade book. Not one student is currently failing my class. I cannot say that was the case at this point last semester due to all the missing assignments. Right now, I feel that taking away the 'requirement' and due date for daily homework has made homework more useful. Putting a deadline on homework, puts a different meaning on homework for the students. Homework becomes something they have to do, not a tool to learn content. Writing in their blog everyday has become a check in for these students to put into words for themselves what they have or have not been doing.
Many students have still been completing the practice problems each day, and used them as evidence for showing they are ready to take the test. Showing students that learning is my ultimate goal for them, not assigning them hundreds of points and just making them do things they may or may not need to spend their time doing. Having me put a zero in the grade book to tell them they didn't do something had very little affect on most students. Students writing in their blogs, "I haven't done anything to prepare" internalizes the lack of work and the blame is coming from themselves.
I am LOVING this new system for homework.
As for the blogging, I am still trying to figure it out completely. Getting quality posts is difficult, and I need to do a better job of modeling exactly what I want the posts to be...but sometimes I'm not 100% sure what I want the posts to look like. I have been using their posts as quick checks (formative assessment) to know where the students are after each lesson and as we progress through the units. My favorite posts are the feedback posts where they have been reflecting on the new system and how it's working for them as a learner. They are very honest, and having a class of 37, it's been a great way for me to quickly get to know the students, their names, and where they stand as far as math and my class. I feel like I know more about this huge class of 37 than I have this early in a quarter ever before about a group of students.
The feedback has been pretty positive thus far, I even had one student say he really didn't enjoy the blog at first, but has warmed up to the idea and that it seems to be helping him stay on top of his work better than previously.
It's an adventure. I'm only one unit in. We're still moving forward, I have these students trained in the blogging and we're going to keep working on it and improving the blogging system. As for the homework system, I am NEVER going back. All future math classes will be reorganized to be the same. It's such a stress off of me, off of the students and it makes the homework meaningful, there is a new purpose, not just completion but actual learning....what a concept!
Boo to those who say, "If you don't assign it, they won't do it." They will, if you make it meaningful and give them a purpose. Requiring my students to create a portfolio of evidence before testing is a pretty good purpose. We all win; we all learn.
Here's hoping that this awesome journey continues to show great results.
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