Using a tablet to represent student thinking and aid in formative assessment

Using a tablet to represent student thinking and aid in formative assessment

Grant:
Instructional Development Fund (IDF)
Academic Year:
2019 - 2020 (June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020)
Funding Requested:
$500.00
Project Dates:
-
Applicant(s):
whitenj
Overview of the Project:
I am seeking funding to buy an IPad and accessories for two teaching projects I am implementing this semester. The first project will use the tablet, almost daily, to project my representations of students' diverse numerical strategies. The second will use applications on the tablet to help me with rigorous, ongoing, real-time, formative assessment.
Final Report Fields
Project Objectives:

The project had two objectives: (1) using a tablet for "number talks" in math courses for future elementary teachers (Math 385, 489, 497) and (2) using a tablet for formative assessment in Geometry for Future Teachers (Math 431).

Project Achievements:

I used the tablet most extensively in Math 431 (F19). An app specialized in Lesson Study helped me keep very careful track of students' work during class. I was able to use a very student-centered version of mastery grading / specifications grading that allowed students to demonstrate mastery of different skills and topics in a wide variety of ways. I did also use it for number talks in Math 497, as well as for various Math Teachers' Circle sessions (both in Detroit and Chicago). The impact on the assessment methods in Math 431 were immense-- I could not have used those methods without the iPad and the Lesson Study App.

Continuation:
As the pandemic started in Winter 2020, the iPad also became in invaluable tool for online teaching!! I used it every single day during our 2.5 remote semesters.
I am not teaching Math 431 anymore, so not using the mastery grading I developed in F19. But my colleague, Hanna Bennet, who is teaching it in F23 may use something similar.
I am not teaching Math 385/489/497 any more, so not using the iPad for number talks.
Dissemination:
I have a forthcoming column aimed at mathematicians about mastery grading methods. One example I am contributing is about how I ran and assessed Math 431 in F19.
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