3-Read Friday #24

MCQs, belonging, and attention

This newsletter is made possible because of Eedi. Check out our brand-new set of diagnostic quizzes, videos, and practice questions for every single maths topic, ready to use in the classroom, and all for free, here.

Here are three blog posts that I found interesting this week.

1. Using a multiple-choice assessment to examine misconceptions in maths by Patrick Barmby

The teams at No More Marking and Axiom Maths have taken some of Eedi’s diagnostic multiple-choice questions, given them to nearly 2000 students, and analysed the results. What I find particularly interesting is how the choice of the wrong answer seems to be influenced by the achievement level of the student. I look forward to reading more insights from this study in the coming weeks.

2. Belonging by Jo Castelino

I have written previously about how Call and Respond is one of my favourite means of participation. I like it because it is quick, fun and involves every student. In this fantastic post, Jo points out another benefit - how Call and Respond can engender a sense of belonging in a class. This is something we do, and we all do it together.

3. Attention, meaning & consolidation: matching technique to purpose by David Didau

David makes a really important point that is relevant for anyone delivering CPD, or indeed anyone hoping to bring about a change. The focus should not be on the technique, but on the purpose. Hence, the session should not be about how to use a mini-whiteboard effectively, but instead how to sustain students’ attention for which the mini-whiteboard can be a useful tool.

If you found this edition of 3-Read Friday useful, feel free to share it with colleagues. Also, you can check out all the back issues of my Eedi newsletter and Tips for Teachers newsletter here. But, most importantly of all, have a great weekend.

Craig