tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842332727559984539.post6321378048504037707..comments2023-10-02T07:33:58.853-07:00Comments on Montessori Elementary at Home: Test AnxietyMarshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719465217183178794noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842332727559984539.post-63910140597035988462011-01-23T19:10:01.758-08:002011-01-23T19:10:01.758-08:00Thanks and glad to aid. I am deeply opposed to dig...Thanks and glad to aid. I am deeply opposed to digging up the seed to see if it is growing. All this does is destroy the nutrient absorbing root hairs.<br /><br />Let me know if I may be of assistance if you need a sounding board or a more reasoned discussion than I posted earlier. The examples in the social studies and natural sciences sections are multitude and the math and reading sections have more subtle issues for the children.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842332727559984539.post-16532314733580500132011-01-22T11:12:20.080-08:002011-01-22T11:12:20.080-08:00eavice,
Thank you for sharing your insight on the ...eavice,<br />Thank you for sharing your insight on the testing issue. You gave great examples of how it just doesn't work for Montessori students. I plan to share these at our next site council meeting. I think it helps to have such concrete examples of how and why testing doesn't work, and how the questions and answers are tricking the children. <br />Sean mentioned that he had to choose an answer, not something he is used to at all. He's used to discovering the answer.Marshahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16719465217183178794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842332727559984539.post-35500750749578661362011-01-21T19:16:33.058-08:002011-01-21T19:16:33.058-08:00I don't have any great advice. Just a couple ...I don't have any great advice. Just a couple of observations. I was that Casa and Lower El Teacher whose school required testing for K on up.<br /><br />As far as the classroom situation:<br />Montessori children are not used to asking a question and the teacher not being able to help them or at least validate their thoughts. The testing expectation goes against everything we spend weeks and months ingraining into children. I would have at least one kindergarden aged child under the table in tears before the end of the first day of testing. It is agonizing for the teacher as well.<br /><br />As far as the scores:<br />The tests do not adequately measure the Montessori child. The way the test words things in not the way in which we teach. We are straight forward and don't try to trick children. The tests do. They are often not scientifically where the Montessori child is. They have poorly thought through questions that don't hold up to examination.<br /><br />For example, in south Florida the Stanford 9 K test asked "What clothes are worn in winter?" Pictures: A. shorts and sunglasses, B. Jacket, C. Parka. All of my kids picked A. or "Where do whales live?" A. river, B. ocean, C. round swimming pool. C of course. That is where whales live at Sea World. <br /><br />Try the third grade test. "Where do plants get their food?" Picture - mountains/rocks, sun, other plants. The test wants B but A is also correct when erosion is factored in and mineral absorption is counted for; also C is correct numerous plants are leachers off of other plants and received their food from them. <br /><br />Good luck on your situation. You teacher sounds like she has helped him find a transitional coping method.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com