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Why be Authentic? Isn't the real world multiple choice?

Of course there are choices and ways of looking at real world problems as being multiple choice.

 Liberal studies and social studies can offer many different opinions, outlooks, and decisions to the inquisition.  Other disciplines of study do not, however, fit into the category of multiple choice.  Consider our subject matter, Chemistry.  There are endless concepts and theories of chemistry that are observable in the real world, but few are up for debate or consideration in the way that a multiple choice question presents things. In this vein, it can be seen inappropriate to assess a students knowledge of chemistry concepts based on multiple choice questions alone.  Like many subject areas, chemistry concepts should be presented as opportunities to explore and discuss the ways each concept plays a role in the world we live in.  Students can write about the steps and methods of concepts and theories and express their knowledge in the procedural science of experimentation.

One of my favorite ways to assess learning in chemistry is with open response theory and calculations.  For example if a concept is based on a theory with an equation, students would be responsible for being able to address that concept by explaining the components of the theory and equation as well as using variables and and appropriate steps to solve real-world examples of chemistry.  The assessment then is focused on the ideas and knowledge the student brings to the problem in order to solve and the methods and steps used to get an answer.  The answer itself is actually not as important to me as the steps and ideas the student took in order to get an answer.

Long time, no blog! Welcome... again?

Whether its your first time to my blog or you're a frequent lover my Chemistry classroom, it's always a great opportunity to reintroduce myself!

My name is Tiffany Maisonet and I'm a scientist extraordinaire!  Why? Well, because I've been a scientist of the brain, the antioxidative properties of Pom Juice, infant lungs, athletic injury repair, young budding science minds, and a teacher to the scientists of the future!  Now that's extraordinaire!

I made a big leap last year from scientist in the field, to teaching young scientists and it was an amazing leap of which I stuck the landing!  And let me tell you, I've landed somewhere I was born to stay!  Teaching young scientists has been the best change for me and it is such a rewarding experience!

I currently teach at El Segundo High School in the South Bay of sunny southern California and I just love it!  There are great STEM-driven programs like Biomedical Pathways and Engineering so I really get to work with the best and the brightest young scientists around!

Hey! Did you know that you can take a free personality test that helps you determine the stereotype that best describes you, your best career choice, and your leadership skills?  Well, I just took one (despite the fact that I am pretty sure its hogwash) and it was pretty spot on.  It described my personality type as being a strong leader and a likely educator.  While that makes sense, my issue with personality tests like these is that they are not a blind study.  Participants know exactly what the potential outcome can be and therefore have the tendency to answer according to their desired outcome.  The title of the survey should be, "Take this test to see what type of ice cream is your ideal flavor... that way the potential for character judgement and career expectations is not a looming factor.  But, I guess that's just a scientists point of view!