My Pecha Kucha has gone through some evolution. I have come to the realization that some old habits are hard to break. I have so many more slides to show to get my point across. The point is, less is more! There is always room for improvement. I can always write another one. I have to think of entertainers who have the mantra "Always keep your audience wanting more". Furthermore, if the audience is not enjoying my Pecha Kucha, would I really want to subject them to one that is longer than 6 minutes and 40 seconds.
Rubrics
What a contradiction to the Pecha Kucha! I will admit my ignorance of Rubrics when I began teaching. Having gone through a proficiency based licensure program, I had no idea what a rubric was when I first got in front of a class. I believe rubrics complicate grading tremendously. I understand why they are used, in that, they supposedly spell out every contingency for a students grade, but in the eyes of this math teacher, they exacerbate something that could be so simple, percentages on tests, quizzes and homework.
Did I cut my own throat here?
Well, Bill, this elementary teacher has to contradict you. Elementary students need things spelled out for them much more specifically. If I simply put a percentage on the top of my third grade students' papers they have no idea what that means! My district is switching to all standards-based grading, and let me tell you, we have rubrics! It's almost impossible to grade on a 4,3,2,1, scale without some rubrics, but, ironically, math is the one area we're having trouble with. We're basically still grading with percents and changing them to a 4,3,2,1 at this point, so I can definitely see your point. It's hard to have rubrics for math!
ReplyDeleteBill,
ReplyDeleteI am really interested in how you would even use rubrics in math! I guess I figured since math is "right" or "wrong" and rubric would be hard to create unless you were using it for a project, presentation or a very long math problem that had multiple steps.
I find that in my classroom rubrics are a lifesaver! Without them, my students wouldn't know what I was assessing on and how I came up with a grade. Grading with rubrics for art is less stressful but far more time consuming. :)
I'm also with you on the pecha kucha. I had a hard time fitting it all in and then realized, if it doesn't fit I can simplify and make another.
I also like how you say "old habits are hard to break" and your blogs name is old dog, new tricks!!! :)