Re: Checking simplified algebraic expressions (the -3 test)

Mensanator <mensanator@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>> > > So, I want to get your opinion on this test and ask if you can
think
>> > > of anything better.
>>
>> > How hard is it to check 0,1,2,3 & -3?
>>
>> Actually pretty hard when they have 25 problems to complete in 50
>> minutes. Most students only have at most 25% of total test time left
>> to check problems and then correct them.
>
>Then maybe the test should have fewer questions.
>
>Are you running a quiz show or trying to educate?

She(?) is trying to prepare students for a test, probably the state
NCLB tests, over which she has no control.

>> > That's why they invented paper & pencil. Put your
>> > calculator aside and try it sometime.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> These kids are all working on paper, but approaching problems on paper
>> in an organized fa****on is a skill that takes years to develope and
>> changes with each new type of problem it is not trivial.
>
>Years? Aren't you teaching them how to do that?

She doesn't have years.  She has months, and kids who probably aren't
especially motivated.

>> > - Show quoted text -
>>
>> I think you are out of touch with what it is like to be a kid trying
>> to learn new math concepts.
>
>No argument there. I'm not a teacher and haven't been
>a student for a long time. But I tinker with math as a
>hobby,

Therefore you (like I was) are quite atypical.

The kids who need help are the ones who not only don't tinker with
math as a hobby, but have to be threatened with flunking if they don't
make more effort on the required stuff.

lojbab
Bob LeChevalier - artificial linguist; genealogist
lojbab@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
   Lojban language www.lojban.org