To provide the optimal learning experience for all students using My Math Academy, we begin their educational journey each school year with a “show what you know” Placement Test. There is only one Placement Test per school year, and it is initiated automatically when students begin using the program.
There is nothing that teachers need to do other than encourage students to take their time, stay focused, and do their best. Let your students know that if they are not sure of an answer, they should just click on whatever they think is best.
Placement activities start with a student’s age group or grade level to help inform our placement activities, which initially target knowledge and skills from the end of the prior grade. Once your student completes the placement activities, our adaptive learning technology evaluates what each student knows, what they don't know, and what they're most ready to learn, creating a personalized placement path for each student.
The initial placement activities are brief and scaled down for younger kids. However, it's important that your students who may take longer to complete the activities do not feel rushed or pressured by the time. Teachers should encourage students to take the time they need to accurately reflect their prior knowledge.
In My Math Academy students will be introduced to Shapey Scientists and Shapey Lab Assistants, who will guide them through game-like placement activities. The placement activities rapidly identify that student's precise initial placement into the program's content. Once those placement activities are completed, students start working on more difficult learning activities.
Within 24 hours, a Placement Report will be available from your Educator Center Progress Dashboard for all students who completed the required placement activities, with the exception of pre-K students, who do not get a report. (See Placement Report Tips and Troubleshooting.)
Placement Activities Examples
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Learning Objective: Counting out objects
In the following Placement Activity, the student is given a target number to count out. In this example, it is six. The student is given several squares and should drag exactly six into the answer box. After the student drags squares into the answer box, a green checkmark appears, so they submit their answer. The student does not receive correct answer or wrong answer feedback after they submit their answer.
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Learning Objective: Recognize numbers from 1-100
In the following Placement Activity, the student will see three numbered cards on the screen. The narrator will instruct the student to select one out of the three numbers shown on the numbered cards. After the student clicks on their desired answer, the next three numbered cards will appear on the screen. The student does not receive correct answer or wrong answer feedback after they submit their answer.
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Learning Objective: Count from 1 to 10
In the following Placement Activity, the student is instructed to count forward from one. The student is given several squares to drag exactly the next number into an answer box. After the student drags numbered squares into the answer box, a green checkmark appears, so they submit their answer. The student does not receive correct answer or wrong answer feedback after they submit their answer.
Benefits of Placement Activities:
- Personalized Learning: Placement activities allow the system to determine the individual learning needs of each student. By starting at an appropriate level, students can progress at a pace that suits their abilities, ensuring a personalized learning experience.
- Accurate Initial Placement: By collecting data through placement activities, the system can accurately place students at the most suitable starting point. This ensures that students are neither overwhelmed nor bored with the material, promoting an optimal learning environment.
See also: What is the student experience during Placement?