AUTHENTIC LEARNING vs HIGH-STAKES STANDARDIZED TESTING
On November 5th, 58% of Massachusetts voters elected to stop using standardized 10th Grade MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) test scores as the sole determination for graduation from high school. The MTA (Massachusetts Teacher’s Association) pushed for ‘Authentic Learning vs. High-Stakes Standardized Testing’ during the campaign and did a good job articulating the advantages of authentic learning compared to standardized testing.
Authentic learning is based on solid research, clear evidence, proven effectiveness and accurate content. It’s a valid and trustworthy measurement tool, based on individual student learning needs and modalities. After 30 years of state-wide MCAS testing, it’s time to turn the page to authentic learning resources like 21st Century Study Skills based on SQ3R. It has proven to be the most effective authentic learning strategy ever developed.
SQ3R was developed by the military in 1942 at Ohio State to accelerate the learning curve for more than 150,000 military personnel into leadership positions to help fight and win WWII in Asia and Europe. Based on eight decades of rock-solid research, SQ3R is considered the most effective learning and test preparation strategy ever developed. Commonly referred to as the ‘father of all how-to-study programs’, it’s the only learning strategy recommended by Collegeboard.com and most of the Top 100 Colleges in the nation.
Today, we have testing ‘gone’ wild’! The average high school student takes about 300 high-stakes tests during grades 9-12, but we are not teaching them how to study effectively and get high test scores. This is a terrible oversight in Education, especially when test scores are used exclusively to determine academic success. Properly trained, student confidence levels will sky-rocket, Honor Roll lists will grow, less students will need IEP’s, GPA’s will rise and students will learn how to achieve their full academic potential in school and beyond.
I’ve added computer note-taking skills and ‘whole brain’ memory techniques to bring SQ3R up into the 21st Century. Neither of these technologies existed 80 years ago. I call my new and updated version SQ4R. Now, the best study skills program ever developed is even better! It’s a game changer! To see how SQ4R has positively transformed the lives of former students please visit our website: http://www.21stcenturystudyskills.com/testimonials.html
Like Massachusetts, if you are seeking Authentic Learning resources to help develop new graduation requirements contact 21st Century Study Skills. Together, we can quickly develop and implement training solutions to solve your biggest educational problems. This proven Authentic Learning strategy will increase the success of your students and improve teacher effectiveness. The training will take less than a day but the benefits will last a life-time! Contact me to learn more.
http://www.21stcenturystudyskills.com/
