Beyond the Bubble (Grades 2-3): How to Use Multiple-Choice Tests to Improve Math Instruction, Grades 2-3 - Softcover

Wickett, Maryann; Hendrix-Martin, Eunice

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1571108173 ISBN 13: 9781571108173

Publisher: Routledge, 2011

Synopsis

Multiple-choice testing is an educational reality. Rather than complain about the negative impact these tests may have on teaching and learning, why not use them to better understand your students’ true mathematical knowledge and comprehension? Maryann Wickett and Eunice Hendrix-Martin show teachers how to move beyond the student’s answer―right or wrong―to uncover understanding and/or misconceptions. By asking a few simple follow-up questions, teachers can learn a great deal about student understanding and make better, more informed instructional decisions.

The Beyond the Bubble books (grades 2-3 and grades 4-5) are each divided into five strands―number, measurement, algebra, geometry, and probability―with six problems per strand. Each problem includes an overview of the objective of the test question, a sample question, typical of those found on standardized tests, strategies students employ to solve the problem, conversation starters, student work, student-teacher conversations, and instructional strategies to advance student learning. Teachers will also find suggestions for differentiation, reproducible of sample questions, and a comprehensive list of additional resources.

With dozens of sample test questions and numerous student samples, Beyond the Bubble shows educators how to use multiple choice tests to provide more purposeful, focused mathematics instruction for all of their students.

About this title

About the Author

"I became a teacher because children fascinate me. To have the privilege and challenge of working with children as a career is the best," says Maryann.

Maryann is a practicing public school classroom teacher with over thirty-six years of experience teaching grades pre-K-6. She has also taught college preservice mathematics methods courses, led numerous inservices in mathematics across the United States, and spoken at various mathematics conferences at the local, state, and national levels. She was the recipient of the 1996 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching. Maryann has published numerous articles in NCTM's Teaching Children Mathematics and, more recently, sat on the editorial panel of the journal.

Maryann believes that ongoing professional development through face-to-face inservice, electronic professional development, and professional resources such as journals and books is critical to the quality of education a teacher can provide to students. "Good professional development allows teachers to reflect thoughtfully on practices, evaluate what is working or not working, and make appropriate changes based on what is learned in professional development," she explains.

Maryann received her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from San Diego State University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, stand-up paddle boarding, skiing, camping, reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1571108173
• ISBN 13: 9781571108173
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288