Study Habits

The NY Times posted an article that may change the way you think about studying. Although we should read the actual reports produced by the researchers, the article suggests students are more likely to remember information if they study it in two different locations rather than the same location twice. For example, you may study for your midterm in the library, and then on another occasion, study for your midterm in your room as opposed to studying twice in the library only. The varied location allows for more scaffolding due to the changed environment (regardless of whether the scaffolding is conscious or not).

Interestingly on the second page of the article, the author mentions why practice tests and quizzes are a powerful of learning, not just assessment!

Check out the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/health/views/07mind.html

Computer-Based Tests - Arne Duncan and the 2014-2015 School Year

Computer-based tests will use multiple choice items to measure high-order skills ignored by traditional paper and pencil multiple choice items.
Check out the article in the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/03/education/03testing.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=%22standardized%20exams%22&st=cse

I wonder how they will make sure the system doesn't overload... (remember the first year of the FAIR?)

What do you think?

Hold back one more year before kindergarten?

Some parents purposely hold their children back a year before entering kindergarten. See the MSNBC article about it: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38993761/from/toolbar


Kindergarten dilemma: Hold kids back a year to get ahead?

I have always wondered about it issue. Some people may look to research, but allowing parents be the judge may be the best approach in this case. Although I do not have any children yet, if I had a child who fell into the "younger" range for their grade level, I would consider this possibility. Depending on the geographic location and school district rules, some parents are forced to hold their children back.

Measuring teacher performance with student test scores

Earlier this month the L.A. Times stated they will release ratings for 6,000 teachers based on a value-added measure of teacher performance using student standardized test scores (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/15/local/la-me-teachers-value-about-20100815).
The Economic Policy Institute has released a briefing paper regarding the problems with using student test scores to evaluate teachers:  http://epi.3cdn.net/724cd9a1eb91c40ff0_hwm6iij90.pdf.                                                               What do you think?

Another academic year begins

Tomorrow is the start of our academic year and I am very excited to meet my new students. One of my goals for this year is to find as many free "nifty" resources for educators and compile a list for my students and colleagues. If you see anything you would like to share, please feel free to pass it along.
Happy First Day of School!

Update coming soon...

Research & Evaluation will be updated soon.
This blog will contain updates on current research and evaluation projects, new things happening in educational research and evaluation, and opportunities for collaboration.