How can you tell if your students are actually learning and not just memorizing answers for the test?

Question

How do I tell if they're actually learning stuff from my teaching or if its' just their parents helping them at home?

The reason I ask if because one of my struggling math students suddenly was picking up everything I was teaching about regrouping. I was so excited.

Then it turned out her mother had already taught her how to carry the one at home and was making her practice. I was still ECSTATIC, but then I wondered, "What if this happens a lot? If I think I'm this great teacher, when really it's the parents?"

If they're not learning from me, I want to know so I can change my methods

Answer 1

I agree with crystalc However, from experience as both a teacher and mother I have seen times when teachers simply couldn't get a child to understand a specific concept. When another individual explained that concept in a different manner, the "light turned on." That doesn't mean you are a bad teacher. You seem to be doing a great job and really care about teaching! We need more like you.

It's okay if the parents help out. That doesn't mean you aren't doing your job. That's what homework is all about. The more help you get, the better the students will learn. You can be thankful you are in a situation where parents care. Hope the rest of your school year is terrific!!

Answer 2

It takes time and effort to teach children, and often times teachers/parents do not immediately see the positive/negative outcome from their instruction; this may not become evident until many years later.

Teachers, and parents can only plant the seeds, the children/young people are the ones who will choose to make them bloom, or let them wither.

You can be the best teacher/parent in the world, but if the child chooses not to learn something no one can make them.
Changing your methods has little to do with it, it is the students willingness, or lack thereof that makes the difference.

You will have to trust that your piece of the puzzle will help make the difference and complete the whole over time.

Be happy for students that do make progress no matter who helped the student do so, because by doing so you will help encourage them to keep plugging at it.

The true test comes when the student has to apply what they have learned, or built upon previous knowledge, if they can do so they have learned; passing a test is not, and never will give anyone a true picture of a students ability now, or what they may be able to accomplish in the future.

Answer 3

Some people have a natural ability for math and others just plain don't. Through hard work some can become quite competent. I think to be a good teacher in math you need to pay special attention to the kids that really want to learn but are struggling. Find out what their stumbling blocks are and work from there. Too many times, teachers are ECSTATIC by the fast learners and forget about those that are left in the dust. If parents are willing and able to help, by all means engage them in the learning process. My mother gave me some help one summer when I was a kid. It sure made a difference in my life.

By the way, how can you memorize a test answer? A little telepathy going on here?

Answer 4

That doesn't necessarily mean you need to change your method. I'm sure you already know that kids all have different ways of learning. Maybe he's just one of those students that learn better one on one then in a group.
For now, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Think about it, if the majority of your class is making good grades, then it's not you. Trust me, there are more parents that don't understand math then children sometimes.

Answer 5

That is one of the biggest problems with learning today in my opinion. Students shouldn't be graded on how much they can remember.
If I were a teacher, I would let them use an open book and calculators. That is what is used in the real world anyway.
Learning shouldn't be based on memory.

Answer 6

It doesn't matter.As long as they are educated and you get your pay. ;-)