Math

Calculating the perfect testing format, math teacher Sheila Hayden prefers the traditional pen and paper test, a style she adopted from her student-teacher days. Hayden adds a unique twist, however, in the form of a “thinking problem that is a little tougher than the rest.” In order for students to get full credit, they must show their work for each problem. The problems themselves are closely related to homework that is assigned prior. “I don’t believe in testing over something that wasn’t covered in class,” said Hayden. When classes shut down last year due to COVID-19, Hayden had her Calculus and Pre-Calculus classes test over the Zoom app in order to get their college credit and to be prepared for the following school year.  “It wasn’t ideal, but we did the best we could with what we had.”

Hayden finds that in math particularly, assessments are needed often in order to check if students are able to move onto the next lesson. “My tests are usually just like the homework, so if you’ve done the work, the test should not present a problem,” said Hayden.  She wishes that she could influence the number of absences that occur during assessments.  “I cannot go over the graded tests until all students have taken it.” This causes delayed learning due to students being unable to see what they’ve gotten wrong until much later.

Students preparing for one of Hayden’s tests should revisit their homework, particularly on topics and areas that they know they’re struggling with.  She also advises students to remember concepts that were taught “earliest in the unit” too. Hayden said, “The biggest error I see students making is just not studying. Anyone who says you cannot study for a math test is just giving an excuse for why they didn’t study.”