Intro to This
Web Site

1) What is TERC / Investigations

2) Software Overview

3) Lessons Using the Software

4) Examples of
K - 5th Grade Work

5) Resources

You Are Here
6) Assessment

TERC has strong assessment practices that are outlined in full for every lesson or activity as part of the Investigations curriculum. As in the constructivist model in which TERC bases its philosophy, much of the assessment of student work relates to how deep the exploration brings them, rather than achieving any particular end. In general TERC strongly stresses that though there may be only one right answer, there is no one right way to get an answer. Each student is encouraged to use a variety of approaches to finding an answer and then using the approach that works best for them. The teacher assesses the student's ability and growth not by the answer, but by the depth and insightfulness they show in their explanation of how they got to the answer.

In the school's computer lab where I teach, (where I have taught the software component of every TERC / Investigation lesson talked about on this site) is a large sign stating my rules particular to computers:

1. Be gentle.
2. Have fun.
3. Make mistakes.
4. Try something new.

I believe in using computers as a powerful tool to inspire the learner. The best student is the happiest student. They come to explore, with all the hard work that it implies, making many mistakes along the way, but learning with everyone. They are on this journey to make discoveries, trying something new many times every day. And by understanding, not just memorizing students not only learn, they become self learners, and they have fun. Well I hope you found these pages helpful. Thanks for viewing my site.

Nick Rubinfier
March 7, 2006.

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