Beyond the Bubble (Grades 2-3): How to Use Multiple-Choice Tests to Improve Math Instruction, Grades 2-3

by Maryann Wickett, Eunice Hendrix-Martin

Overview

Multiple-choice testing is an educational reality. Rather than complain about the negative impact these tests may have on teaching and learning, why not use them to better understand your students’ true mathematical knowledge and comprehension? Maryann Wickett and Eunice Hendrix-Martin show teachers how to move beyond the student’s answer—right or wrong—to uncover understanding and/or misconceptions.  By asking a few simple follow-up questions, teachers can learn a great deal about student understanding and make better, more informed instructional decisions.

The Beyond the Bubble books (grades 2-3 and grades 4-5) are each divided into five strands—number, measurement, algebra, geometry, and probability—with six problems per strand. Each problem includes an overview of the objective of the test question, a sample question, typical of those found on standardized tests, strategies students employ to solve the problem, conversation starters, student work, student-teacher conversations, and instructional strategies to advance student learning. Teachers will also find suggestions for differentiation, reproducible of sample questions, and a comprehensive list of additional resources.

With dozens of sample test questions and numerous student samples, Beyond the Bubble shows educators how to use multiple choice tests to provide more purposeful, focused mathematics instruction for all of their students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781571108173
Publisher:	Stenhouse Publishers
Publication date:	02/09/2011
Pages:	278
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	7 - 8 Years

About the Author

"I became a teacher because children fascinate me. To have the privilege and challenge of working with children as a career is the best," says Maryann.

Maryann is a practicing public school classroom teacher with over thirty-six years of experience teaching grades pre-K-6. She has also taught college preservice mathematics methods courses, led numerous inservices in mathematics across the United States, and spoken at various mathematics conferences at the local, state, and national levels. She was the recipient of the 1996 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching. Maryann has published numerous articles in NCTM's Teaching Children Mathematics and, more recently, sat on the editorial panel of the journal.

Maryann believes that ongoing professional development through face-to-face inservice, electronic professional development, and professional resources such as journals and books is critical to the quality of education a teacher can provide to students. "Good professional development allows teachers to reflect thoughtfully on practices, evaluate what is working or not working, and make appropriate changes based on what is learned in professional development," she explains.

Maryann received her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from San Diego State University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, stand-up paddle boarding, skiing, camping, reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Eunice Hendrix-Martin is a teacher at Carrillo Elementary School in Carlsbad, California. She has been teaching for thirty-one years.

Eunice says that she has always been interested in the developmental stages children go through to become unique individuals, which is why she pursued her degree in child development from San Diego State University. She taught preschool for a number of years and moved to elementary education because there were more professional opportunities available. She received her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from San Diego State University.

Eunice is a master teacher for the University of California at San Diego, a curriculum developer, and a conference presenter and consultant for Math Solutions. She conducts staff inservices and workshops for school districts throughout the state.

She has also been a department editor for the NCTM elementary journal Teaching Children Mathematics.

Eunice says that what keeps her in the classroom are the kids. "Working with children means every day is different. The pure energy that erupts in a classroom of children is positively addicting. Children inspire, amaze, and intrigue me. I love teaching because I can learn about children as they learn about life."