Standardized testing, whether it is for high school equivalency or measuring student gains, is a major concern in adult numeracy classes. It can be tempting to "teach to the test" in the hopes of getting students ready to get a passing score as quickly and painlessly as possible. However, making test preparation the main focus of instruction does not create lasting learning and often is not even effective in achieving passing scores or demonstrating gains. It is possible to teach conceptually and do explicit test preparation at the same time. When students get exposure to—and practice with—standardized test questions in a context that prioritizes conceptual understanding and flexible thinking, they will be more prepared to achieve test scores that fully reflect their skills and understandings.
- ABE and HSE teachers at all levels of math ability and comfort
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
In this 1.5-hour workshop, you will be introduced to Test Talks, an instructional routine for building student confidence, understanding, flexibility, and familiarity with standardized test questions. You will experience Test Talks from the point of view of a learner who is tackling multiple choice math questions on a standardized test. In addition, you will get access to a resource containing a bank of test questions to use with Test Talks.
- Become familiar with the Will This Be on the Test? packet
- Facilitate a Test Talk
- Reason visually and conceptually about test questions
- Use test questions to teach conceptually and equitably
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
United States
