By definition .... Or rather history.... the history of testing would indicate that the reason that we test was/is to determine the students level of understanding of the given material that has been presented over a specified period of time in the classroom. Homeschool testing is quite different though. Certainly, when one teacher is assigned to teach anywhere from 15 to 30 students, testing as it is now is probably the most efficient way to accomplish this goal. The homeschool class is different though. Very few parents stand before their kids and lecture with the expectation that the kids diligently take notes! At least I hope you’re not doing that! With the one on one instruction that the homeschool class provides, teaching is much of the time more of an open discussion of the topic between the child and the parent. The child has all the time in the world to ask questions and seek answers and responses from the parent-teacher. In fact, as many question they need in order to get the clarification the child needs to cement the learning. Many times a field trip to a community business, library, historical site, or museum is a great way to not only answer the question but illustrate it as well with a fun and educational outing! Don’t forget children are learning all the time and the more enjoyable you can make it the better retention the child will have. This type of learning is especially effective when they can relate a field trip or an actual experience when discovering the answer. I think you’ll find as you implement different homeschool testing methods and ways to evaluate how well your child is absorbing the subject matter, a combination of visual and hands on learning is much more effective than solely relying on your teaching techniques. Remember, when you are evaluating how the child is doing, it is also good to keep in mind that how the child is doing is also a direct reflection on the methodology you are using as an instructor. Every child learns differently. And all new things to learn click in differently for every child. So, be pragmatic in your approach. If it works for the child - then do more and be successful. Mary Joyce is a former educator, successful homeschool parent, and the primary contributor to the Homeschool-Curriculum-4u website. Please visit (http//:http://www.homeschool-curriculum-4u.com/ for a complete list of Mary's articles, resources on homeschool, ideas, and curriculum information.
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