Thursday, August 29, 2024

Day 21 : School Internship Phase 1

On August 29, 2024, a Thursday, I conducted an achievement test for a group of 8th-grade students. This test was designed to assess their understanding and mastery of the chapters on polygons and equations. With 45 students taking the exam, the process was both demanding and complex. The exam itself was structured to be comprehensive yet manageable, featuring a total of 11 questions worth 25 marks.
Planning and executing an exam of this nature involves several key steps and considerations. Firstly, I had to ensure that the questions were well-balanced and covered the essential concepts from both chapters. This meant carefully crafting questions that tested not only the students’ recall of facts but also their ability to apply these concepts to solve problems. For the polygons chapter, the questions addressed properties of various shapes, calculations of angles, and the ability to recognize and classify different types of polygons. Similarly, the equations section required students to solve algebraic expressions, understand variable manipulation, and apply these skills to solve real-world problems.

With 45 students involved, organizing and monitoring the exam posed significant logistical challenges. Each student needed a clear understanding of the test format, so I provided detailed instructions and examples before distributing the exam papers. Ensuring that all students had the necessary materials, such as pencils and erasers, and that they understood the timing and rules of the test was crucial for maintaining fairness and consistency.

The physical setup of the examination room also required careful consideration. I arranged the desks to minimize distractions and prevent any potential cheating. Each student had a clear view of their own paper and the board, where I had written any additional instructions or clarifications that might be needed during the test. I also had to manage the time effectively, keeping an eye on the clock to ensure that all students had sufficient time to complete the test without feeling rushed.
During the test, my role extended beyond merely supervising. I needed to be attentive to any questions or issues that arose from the students. Some students might have needed clarification on specific questions or required additional time due to individual circumstances. Handling these situations with sensitivity and fairness was essential to ensure that all students had an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

After the test, the process of grading and providing feedback began. With 45 papers to review, it was imperative to maintain a systematic approach to ensure accuracy and fairness. Each question had to be graded according to a predetermined rubric, which included specific criteria for awarding marks. This not only ensured consistency but also helped in providing constructive feedback to the students. Detailed comments on their performance helped them understand their mistakes and areas for improvement.

The grading process was not merely about assigning scores but also about reflecting on the effectiveness of the test itself. Analyzing the students' responses provided insights into how well they understood the material and whether the questions effectively gauged their grasp of the concepts. This reflection is crucial for adjusting future tests and teaching strategies to better support student learning.

Overall, conducting an exam for 45 students was a challenging task that required meticulous planning, organization, and execution. From designing a balanced test to managing the logistics and grading, each step was essential to ensure a fair and effective assessment of the students' achievements. Despite the difficulties, the process provided valuable insights into the students' understanding and highlighted areas where further instruction and support might be needed.

Digital Text - Polygon

Digital Text Book on Polygons https://flipbookpdf.net/web/site/85f17527f5542ee817d62bd6eb31ad5195642935202502.pdf.html https://flipbookpdf.n...