Calculator use in 7th and 8th grade is a very hot topic right now. We somehow have to strike a balance between what we know is best for the mathematical development of our students with their performance on the 7th and 8th grade PSSA tests. I will post some of the discussion that has already occurred on this issue. Furthermore, here is a little light reading that is related to the discussion:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/03/19/28math_ep.h27.html
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Here is one of two calculator comments from Alan Sowa:
EXAM ADJUSTMENTS
I suggest keeping the 40 questions as is and simply adding a page of 8 non-calculator problems. This would give 48 problems and make it easier to adjust. With the 2 performance problems this would make 50 problems, allowing each to be worth 2 points. The two performance problems would actually be worth 4 points each, by getting a 3 or 4 would be considered extra. That means with perfect performance problems, there would be 4 extra points possible. This would also provide a means of having everyone grade the exams the same exact way. Right now, there is no policy in place (at least in secondary) to have consistent grading of exams. Some teachers are adding as much as 10 extra points, using a modified letter system like below 60 = E, 60-69 =D, etc. Some are even giving the multiple choice over two class periods. I really believe we should be consistent in administering the tests and grading them across the district.
Here is the other comment from Alan:
A number of years ago, I was against major use of calculators in the classroom, but we don’t have a choice. If we are to get the students thinking about the higher skills, then they should not be held back due to poor calculating skills. I think there is a balance that must be fostered in the classroom, especially in junior high. For the 7th graders, when teaching operations with decimals, fractions, integers, etc., of course we don’t use calculators. When we get beyond that around November, then calculators should be used. For the 8th grade, calculators should be used from the start. In both grades, from time to time, review work without calculators should be done. I’ve seen where students are missing the point on topics simply because of calculation issues. For instance, solving equations – they get held up because they didn’t learn integers well. At least with a calculator they usually learn the solving process with less frustration.
Are you kidding? Do we use the horse and buggy to get to work? Do we use a washboard to wash our clothes. We need to use the tools to make our jobs more proficient whenever possible. By 7th grade, students need calculators. The problem is at the elementary level. Calculators should not be used before basic math skills such as times tables are learned.
As long as the PSSA is being used for high stakes in NCLB, and increasingly by the state and NCLB to monitor student and probably teacher progress, we need to consider calculator use as a necessity, but with balance. The back to basics by some noteworthy groups is great, but it must start from 1st grade on up. If we are to make big changes on this issue in the middle grades, it must be with collaboration of both elementary and secondary. Right now, whatever elementary is doing is considered to be working , because the scores are good overall. This being the case, elementary probably will not want to change anything at this time.
Prealg 8 midterm exam has been rewritten to include a 12 problem "no calculator" section at the request of several prealg 8 teachers. Since this mimics the format on both the PSSA and 4sight tests, we will try it in prealg to see how it goes. We can follow a similar format in other classes if the department feels this is beneficial.
Post a Comment