Learning Targets
When determining learning targets from a standard, I didn't have any issues. When I look at a standard, I can immediately grasp the goals that kids are expected to master. I just look at it as if I am putting an idea into a verbal action statement. However, the process of unpacking a standard is still unfamiliar to me. I can't decipher if I am properly accomplishing the process or if I am completely off base. While working with classmates, I started to discover that everyone was using a different approach to tackle this concept. As a result, this made me question which method is truly the correct way to achieve proper analysis of the standard. Regardless, I think we were able to decide on a consensus and create some great learning targets that went hand in hand with our desired goals.
In terms of assessment, learning targets are what guide the areas we aim to assess. The learning target in any given lesson tells students what they are expected to know. It sets a goal for them to work towards and accomplish. The idea is, if students master the learning target, they mastered the content. As a result, their assessment should reflect their understanding of these concepts as they should go hand in hand. The best way to put it is that learning targets pave the pathway for assessment questions. This way, students are prepared and never caught off guard by unfamiliar testing content.
Hi Samantha,
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of your blog was when you wrote “I just look at it as if I am putting an idea into a verbal action statement.” This is something I am going to have to remember to help me develop learning targets.
Samantha, I feel exactly the same way. I feel that I can grasp the learning target by using action verbs from the standard, but when unpacking the standard, it becomes tricky. I have also notice that one major difficulty is the realization that there are so many different ways of approaching it. I think that the developing the learning target is the best tool for preparing our students for any assessment we might give them, because when you know what to expect then you feel more confident in your abilities and are more likely to do better.
ReplyDeleteSamantha, it would be nice if we had a little more insight before we had to do something like that. It is so hard when everyone has their idea of how things are supposed to be done. The lack of feedback on previous assignments causes us to be uncertain. I think it was confusing when we were all in a group together questioning each other's decisions or choices. In my opinion, our targets were right, it is the whole unpacking part that can be a challenge. You did a great job at explaining how the learning targets and assessments work hand in hand, thank you for your insights, and I love your confidence even when things are still a little blurry!
ReplyDeleteHey Sam!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog! That is amazing that you didn't struggle with deriving a learning target from standards. You must be a natural! My group also had different ways of thinking about how to deconstruct standards. We ended up working from the five tips in the article we read last week. That seemed to help, but I agree that it is challenging to find the "right" way. At the end of the day though, I don't think there is just one right way to deconstruct a standard. Great blog!