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EtonHouse Singapore
A lot of research has been done all around the world on the use of testing and worksheets, and the results are always the same. It is found that Test-based, traditional, norm-referenced assessment is not beneficial and, in some cases, harmful to children’s learning. However, when used in an intentional and meaningful way, it can complement learning. We discuss the hot topic of worksheet dilemma and the shift towards documentation.
Why don't worksheets work in pre-schools?
Not child responsive: Worksheets are usually selected by the teacher, based on what they want their students to learn, often regardless of students’ interests.
One size fits hardly anyone: For some students, a given worksheet will be too easy, and they will fly through it. For other students, the same worksheet will be too complicated, and they will struggle through it.
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Work without real learning: Students can complete a worksheet without learning anything. For example, a student who can do simple addition under 10 or match words to pictures can complete 20 questions without building knowledge, gaining new understanding or challenging a misconception.
Work without thinking: Students can complete worksheets without really thinking. Many worksheets are "watch and do", "read and copy" and "fill in the blanks". They do not leave much room for critical thinking or encourage the development of cognitive skills.
Incoherent content: Worksheets force children to operate in situations detached from real life. For example, "How many toys does Adam have in total?" Who is really interested to know how many toys this make-believe person has?
Focus on the end product instead of the process of thinking and learning: When worksheets are being used, the focus is on whether they are completed and finished. If they are not completed with the desired pre-determined 'right answers', adults may think that the child is incompetent. This is dangerous as our focus should be on the child's learning and thinking process.
A paradigm shift towards Provocation Pages
At EtonHouse, Provocation Pages refer to any form of written documentation created by children that demonstrates their work and learning. They are used to evaluate and assess children’s understanding and abilities in a more authentic and respectful manner.
They outline to parents the intentions and objectives of the learning. This allows and invites families to see why children are learning what they are learning and be a part of the process.
While traditional schools may focus on the amount of worksheets being completed, EtonHouse is fundamentally different in how we provide respectful and differentiated learning opportunities for each child. As teachers design learning experiences based on individual strengths, weaknesses, prior knowledge and areas of interest, children are adequately challenged on a daily basis.
Have a chat with our educators to learn more about our unique curriculum.
