5364 Week Five Literature Review

In Chapter 8 of Pitler et.al.’s (2007) Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, the authors write, “the instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students’ understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 155). How necessary it is for students to understand this basic principal of life. So often, we spend our time labeling students by their deficiencies and meeting their weaknesses with accommodations. We forget to remind them that their goal is to overcome their learning deficiencies as best they can and if possible, turn their weakness into strength.

Pitler et.al. (2007) go on to say that countless students believe that their achievements or failures are a result of their heritage, genetics or economic status (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). However, students need to know the power of their thinking and effort can have over their circumstances. The doctors at the Mayo Clinic website state, “Practicing positive self-talk will improve your outlook. When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you’re able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way” (Staff, 2009). When we spend time teaching kids the value of effort, we are also giving them lifelong skills for tackling the problems they will face in the years to come.

In the book Web 2.0: New tools, New Schools, the Solomon and Schrum (2007) state “can assessment be authentic and simultaneously prepare students to succeed in the standardized testing that they will face? Absolutely!” (Solomon & Schrum, 2007, p. 168). Yes, authentic assessment will determine whether students learn the standard based materials required by the state. But the question remains, is the standardized testing in its paper and pen mold – the best option for assessing the most students? In addition, I have to wonder about standardized testing in this way – why such a huge focus on minimum knowledge needed.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: new tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Staff, M. C. (2009, May 30). Stress Management. Retrieved March 22, 2011, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/positive-thinking/SR00009/NSECTIONGROUP=2

ISTE Standards: II.A., II.B., II.E., III.C., V.B., VI.B., VIII.A.
ELCC: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, & 6.3
TExES: Competency 2, 5 & 6