Teaching+to+the+Test,+No-+Using+the+Test+as+a+Teaching+Strategy

//**Presenter**//

Mr. J. David James
//**Workshop Theme**//

Addressing Learning Differences/Needs, Adult Learning/Non-Traditional Students, Classroom Management, Student Engagement
//**Abstract**// Students are often focused not on mastery of the subject but on passing the test. This is evidenced by the age-old student question, “Is this going to be on the test?” Many educators respond by teaching to the test. Lauren Resnick of the University of Pittsburgh noted that rather than bemoan the inclination to teach to the test, we should take advantage of it. We should make exercises so compelling, and so powerful as exemplars of a domain, that honing one's ability to solve them represents generalizable learning and achievement. Viewed in this light, teaching to the test is no longer vaguely disreputable because the skills and knowledge are themselves general and are the very things we wish students to acquire.

//**Handouts and Resources**// Presentation-

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MCAPD Conference - October 4, 2014