Math portfolio assessment ideas

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Hille, Feb 17, 2002.

Loading...
  1. Hille

    Hille Active Member

    Good Morning, I am trying to assist a co-worker,substitute teacher with ideas for portfolio assessment in the mathmatics area. I have scanned the TESC bank of classes. She substitutes four days a week and is a full time 5 days a week gymnastics coach. These would be upper level classes only. Any ideas that didn't jump out at me? I know there are mathmatics applications to the sport of gymnastics . Hille
     
  2. Hille

    Hille Active Member

    add-on to original question

    Can anyone think of how to turn Praxis tests into college credits? Thanks. Hille
     
  3. irat

    irat New Member

    math in the job?

    Portfolio is an option if one can demonstrate aquisition of appropriate skills, knowledge, etc.
    I would think a person would know what mathematics they are using? I think your question is, what could this teacher start using? Or what mathematics is she using without realizing it? or what mathematics could she be using that corresponds to the skills and knowledge often learned in a college course.
    School teaching varies a great deal. If the teacher teaches calculus or statistics, there are college courses which could correspond directly to the teaching experience. Sometimes a person substitutes in a computer programming course. This would also have corresponding college equivalent.
    Some teachers use statistical method to analyze the tests they designed. They analyze their grading pattern, etc. My experience is that most do not. This area could represent applied statistics, statistics etc.
    Sometimes schools have committees which look at the selection of standardized tests. The committees sometimes get quite involved in why one test is better than the other based on a variety of statistical methods. Again, the teacher needs skills in statistics.
    I think the COSC portfolio says that they want you to take the exam in the subject if one is offered. The clep/dantes appear to have statistics, algebra etc.
    It is also possible to take the final exam through a program like get college credit (I think Indiana U has such a program).
    I would think it would be easier to take the clep/dantes exams, Or challenge a course and take the final.
    The upper division credit level makes the question much harder. I'm trying to remember my upper division math classes. It seems like things rarely used in most elementary and high school classrooms. I can't think of upper level math. skills being employed in the average elementary and high school. The final exam challenge might avoid the whole portfolio issue.
    I think the portfolio would be possible, but could be much more time consuming than taking 3 or 4 tests.
    Good luck!
     
  4. irat

    irat New Member

    it was ohio u. not indiana

    Sorry, it is Ohio U. which clearly posts its credit by examination for many courses. They list 340 differential equations for 4 quarter hours as an advanced undergraduate course. They also list four calculus courses 263a calculus I to 263d calculus IV, each for four quarter credits.
     
  5. Alex

    Alex New Member

    Hille,

    I would have to agree with Irat- except for secondary math and science teachers, the average elementary or secondary teacher is unlikely to use much upper level math as part of their job or in everyday life. Portfolio credit for elementary statistics (from analyzing students' grades) or trigonometry (from the gymnastics) might be possible, but these are lower level math classes.

    My undergraduate major was math, and upper level classes were basically those taken after multivariable calculus. Upper level math courses included linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, probability theory, mathematical statistics (not the same as elementary statistics), real analysis, numerical analysis, and modern algebra (not the same as "college algebra"). My guess that the average person who has not studied advanced math, science, engineering, computer science, or a related field would have little exposure to the material from these courses in everyday life- unless they have worked in a technical field and picked it up that way.

    The only possibility I might suggest would be to find a course description for a junior-level math course specifically targeted for elementary teachers, to expose them to the elements of mathematics. I have seen such course descriptions at a handful of schools- the topics typically include history of math, basic algebra, elements of mathematical modeling, and basic number theory, as well as a smattering of other topics. Math majors are not permitted to take these courses for credit towards the major, but they count for upper-division credit for some programs leading to elementary certification.

    Alex
     
  6. Hille

    Hille Active Member

    Thanks for the replies. She is aiming towards a degree in mathmatics but is planning to go for alternate route certification in teaching. I'll check out elements of mathmatics courses today to see if there are any she could portfolio. Hille
     
  7. irat

    irat New Member

    excelsior and gre subjects

    I know you are looking for a portfolio. But, excelsior grants credit for the subject exams of the gre. Their guide for students suggests that they can award up to 30 credits for the subject gre exam. It states that 12 credits are lower level and the rest are upper level (assuming you score well enough to get them). That could be up to 18 upper level credits.
    All the best!
     

Share This Page