Samples
If students see examples of what is expected of them, they can produce the expectations better because they understand what they should be doing. Davies (2011) suggests that teachers should use samples to develop criteria for their assignments with the students. The students can look at the different samples and brainstorm a list of things about the samples that should be included in their own assignment. After the brainstorming is complete, students can sort and organize their thoughts into groups. Next, students can create a T-chart and post it in the classroom. Students can look at the T-chart and use the ideas when working on their assignment (Davies, 2011). Teachers can also give students the opportunity to have choice of different assignments to complete. One student may be able to present that he or she has learned the desired information in one way (for example, creating a poster board to present) while another student may prefer to present the information learned in another way (for example, in an essay format).
Student uses for samples:
Samples are not only helpful for students, but also helpful for teachers. Providing samples helps the teachers know if their students are succeeding: “if teachers are not clear what reaching success looks like for their students, they will not know when their students have reached it” (Davies, 2011). Teachers may ask students to donate assignments or projects to be used as samples for their classes in future years. Samples can also be great tools for showing parents how a child is performing currently and what the next steps for their child is (Davies, 2011). Stiggins (2007) says that teachers who use samples are setting up their students for success.
- Prior to beginning a project, students can use samples to develop a rubric for their assignment.
- Teachers can ask students to compare samples to their work before it is finished and explain which sample most resembles their work and why.
- Students can look at samples and determine what is good and what could be improved to make the sample more desirable. Students can use these critiques when completing their own assignment.
Samples are not only helpful for students, but also helpful for teachers. Providing samples helps the teachers know if their students are succeeding: “if teachers are not clear what reaching success looks like for their students, they will not know when their students have reached it” (Davies, 2011). Teachers may ask students to donate assignments or projects to be used as samples for their classes in future years. Samples can also be great tools for showing parents how a child is performing currently and what the next steps for their child is (Davies, 2011). Stiggins (2007) says that teachers who use samples are setting up their students for success.