Test Prep as an Opportunity

Like Math Confidence, the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics www.nctm.org) is viewing Test Prep as an Opportunity ;)

These were in the InBox today from NCTM:

Subject: Best Practices for Test Prep - Middle School Member Update
http://www.nctm.org/membership/msupdate.aspx?id=2147483702


Subject: Getting Students to Excel in Mandated Testing - High School Member Update
http://www.nctm.org/membership/hsupdate.aspx?id=2147483700


Subject: Take Pride in Preparing Students for Tests - Higher Ed Member Update
http://www.nctm.org/membership/heupdate.aspx?id=2147483701

I Was Told There Would Be No Math

(headline from Slate magazine re: NYTimes new puzzle KenKen)

Is Sudoku's promise of "no Math" essential PR for promoting number puzzles? A not-so-positive relationship with Math can be left over from school days and can undeliberately be handed down from generation to generation.

KenKen creates another opportunity to engage people with numbers.

The many rewards of Math include critical thinking skills, broader career choices, discipline, focus and confidence for academic, professional and personal success (plus the "aha" of a solution)

http://fray.slate.com/discuss/forums/2097086/ShowForum.aspx?ArticleID=2211595

Testing is an Opportunity

Testing has often been viewed as a threat rather than an opportunity. Multiple choice can be excellent for developing reasoning skills as knowing why what’s right is right is as important as knowing what’s wrong is wrong. Many common Math mistakes and misconceptions can be diagnosed through the use of multiple choice since they are intentionally designed with “good wrong answers”. By studying old or sample exams, much learning can be achieved along with focus and attention to detail that is so important on tests and in life.