Examining Student Work

"...Another element of active learning is the opportunity to examine and review student work. By examining students' written responses to problems, for example, teachers may gain an understanding of students' preconceptions, misconceptions and solution strategies (Schifter, 1996; Carpenter et al, 1989). And, by observing students' responses to questions posed by expert teachers, teachers may gain insight into the types of difficulties students are likely to have with complex subject matter and materials and teaching strategies that are likely to be effective. In particular, examples of student work may help teachers develop skills in diagnosing student problems and designing lessons at an appropriate level of difficulty. Finally, by discussing examples of students' work, teachers may develop shared interpretations of the kinds of problems that are easy and difficult and the standards of performance against which students should be held."
—Promising Practices for Improving Education Council for Basic Education, October 2001

For an example of one method for looking at student work, see the Critical Friends Groups page on our website. Another valuable resource about looking at student work is the Web site: www.lasw.org.