tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post1866759677053843468..comments2023-11-03T04:00:24.785-04:00Comments on Kentucky School News and Commentary: Ky. orders review after questions raised about use of calculator software on statewide testsRichard Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14586435007687942849noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-52301180744638248572014-04-10T12:55:27.260-04:002014-04-10T12:55:27.260-04:00This is an experience, not an experiment. And it ...This is an experience, not an experiment. And it is an experience without valid conclusions.<br /><br />Two mathematics professor using a calculator and a software program (Zoom Math) answered only the items on the ACT Compass test where the program is applicable. They marked the first answer on the remaining items.<br /><br />They found their resulting scores exceeded an arbitrary cut-point (college readiness). <br /><br />They concluded "about 55 percent of the COMPASS problems can be done "without thought" using Zoom Math." <br /><br />In another setting they said "Our experiment demonstrates that essentially 'any student' who has a calculator equipped with Zoom Math and who has been trained to use it can become college ready in mathematics in Kentucky and will be guaranteed placement into a college-level math class at any public college or university in our state." My italics.<br /><br />How does one get from two college professors using a calculator and a piece of software to conclusions about not needing any thought to answer questions and that is true for any student with a certain calculator in Kentucky? <br /><br />That is nonsense.<br /><br />They could have gotten a good estimate of their results by scoring the test according to answering all the "calculator" items correctly plus adding 1/5 (assuming the answers are assigned at random) of the other items. It would have saved time and made more sense. And one does not need professors using calculators.<br /><br />There is research about the effects of the use of calculators and software on performance. It is true that under certain conditions, students who use software have an advantage. It may or may not be true about Zoom. But this experience does not answer the question.<br /><br />Perhaps, it would have been appropriate for these mathematicians to review some of the research, not only for the findings but also how to conduct experiments that yield valid results.Skip Kifernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776587.post-33278596882687869292014-04-09T20:46:50.705-04:002014-04-09T20:46:50.705-04:00I thought we were suppose to be facilitators, that...I thought we were suppose to be facilitators, that expecting students to actually possess extensive knowledge was old school. Just give them tools and direction about how to use them within the existing system.<br /><br />Only reason folks use Zoom Math is to pump up their lower performers scores. What next Zoom Read? Zoom world civ? Zoom SAT? Zoom MCAT/LSAT?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com