Formative Assessment

Every builder knows how important it is to have a strong foundation and to assess the structures before removing the scaffolds and adding on another layer.  Adding on to the structures prematurely could have negative consequences.  In classrooms, we call it behavior problems. 

How do you know when students are actively listening? From day one, we have been working on the conversation skills of looking at the speaker, waiting to speak, and building on each other’s talk. Students have learned and have been using the stems for agreeing, disagreeing, and asking for clarification.  Before spring break, I saw active listening beyond the procedural level and seeing the purpose of why it is so important to teach. To see a fruit of your labor is one of those proud moments in a teacher’s life.