We began our final class with a short Quick Write to reflect on the class and on the past semester. Research shows that reflecting on what and how you have learned enhanced meaning and encourages insight and complex understanding. (Here's a good article on learning through reflection.) For that reason, I have students take time to think back on the semester. I asked them to briefly write about what worked well, what didn't work, and what one "thing" they learned (from any class) that they found amazing. I especially value their comments about the structure of the class because these comments help me make adjustments and improvements.
We celebrated our final class with a Christmas party that included an "Ugly Christmas Sweater Design" contest and a Jeopardy game. Irene was our winner for the favorite "Ugly" sweater. The Jeopardy game included the following topics: ACT Strategies, Specific Tests, Essays, Christmas Movies, and Christmas Trivia. By the way, research also indicates that using game-based learning strategies increases recall, retention, and cognitive growth. So while we were having fun, we were still intellectually engaged in our topics.
This has been a great class of students. Some are on the cusp of their next educational adventures, and some are still in their preparation stages. The information that we learned about testing strategies will not only help with the ACT but with any standardized test that they might take. (I used them for my teacher licensing exam last spring!) For those who are not taking the ACT right away, I encouraged them to regularly review the material and to take more practice tests. One student commented that I could have included more homework and required more practice tests. He was right in assuming that the more practice the better!
Students handed in their final drafts of their application essays, which I will go over and provide comments. When it comes time for them to actually be filling out an application and writing the essay, I am glad to offer any assistance. Sometimes students use the essays that they write for this class, and sometimes they write a fresh essay. Either way, I can help with content and grammar questions.
About grades.
My goal is to have the grades to you by the end of next week.
If you've looked at My Gradebook, you will see that if the work was done, the full number of points was given. Scores for this class are primarily based on quantity rather than quality. Since all of the drills and sample tests were practice, it would not have been right/fair to give scores based on how many answers were correct. I gave the students the analogy of a sports team. Although the practices are important and the players should contribute and work hard, the real assessment is the end score of a game. Their real assessment of their work will happen when they take their next standardized test!
Class Notes (with pictures)
I've enjoyed this group of students. Each one is uniquely gifted for the plans that God has for him/her. Feel free to keep in touch.
Blessings,
Mrs. Prichard
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