Scholars Meeting

1. What did you learn from the data exploration today? 

After looking at today's data I'm realizing that I want to focus more on  what students can gain from the use of pretests, not what I can learn. I feel as if I already know what students can gain from the use of pretests. It would be beneficial for students to see their growth and be more active in their learning process. The use of pretests reviews what they should have already known in 2nd grade and then shows them what to expect in 3rd grade. 

2. How does this connect to your area of interest for your study this year?

My area of interest this year is Math. There is a big jump from 2nd to 3rd grade. Students are now expected to copy out of the textbook instead of write in it. There are significantly more problems to be completed along with many more directions that students should read independently. Students should be able to read the directions and answer the problems on their own, and because that is the expectation for the end of the year STAR test, I'm already expecting my students to read on their own and rely on themselves rather than always turn to me for help. 

3. What is the current draft of your question?

The current draft of my question is How can the use of math pretests help inform my math instruction?

4. Your thoughts now? (Other points to record/remember)

Anna's advice was helpful. Linking my question to student learning and what they will gain from it, will in turn help me figure out what is or isn't working for students and whether or not I need to continue with certain strategies or adopt new ones. I want to make sure that this inquiry helps them and not just myself during this next year. I want them to see the importance of their growth.

After the mixer: After speaking about my topic I feel a little bit more focused on what it is that I want students to learn. I want students to see the connection of what they're doing in class to real life.  What can students learn from math pretests that will....(this is where I'm stuck). I don't want my question to necessarily go back to me but rather. I want to do a math talk, give a pre-test and then begin teaching. After I'm finished I want to do a final math talk to sum up what we learned and tie it to real life.