ALEKS - Assessment and Learning
   

6.4.3 QuickTables Learning Mode

 

QuickTables Learning Display

Figure 6.5: QuickTables Learning Display
When the student completes the test, the color-keyed Learning Display is presented, showing their current knowledge of the table. The student is then able to choose how they will work toward complete mastery of the table facts (Fig. 6.5). This display has a function similar to that of the pie chart in regular ALEKS.
To choose a math fact to work on, the student clicks on the corresponding cell in the table. If the student simply presses Enter or the Space Bar, a fact will be chosen from those available. There is a brief introduction to the fact, and then a paced drill sequence in which review of previously-learned facts is mixed in with reinforcement of the new fact. Sequences are kept short so that the student's concentration remains high. If there is a mistake, the drill is halted while the student reenters the correct answer, with help from QuickTables; also, if the student takes too long in answering, there is a similar halt while the student catches up with the drill. Once the student shows mastery of the new fact, there is a pause before the next cycle of learning.
Students can view a report of their work in QuickTables by clicking on Options located in the upper right of the screen. Clicking on view your latest QuickTables report link will display their QuickTables assessment results and QuickTables quiz results.
NOTE. The drill provided by QuickTables is paced, in the sense that students need to enter their answers within a specified "Target Time." QuickTables seeks to develop quick, "automatic" response to questions on math facts. The actual time interval for answering is subject to customization (Sec. 6.1.7).
As the student progresses in mastery of new facts, the colors in the table flow across the report to show the changing area of mastery. This provides the student with direct, tangible evidence of progress, building the student's motivation. At the same time, the thermometer graphic to the right of the table also indicates the percentage of the table contents that the student has worked through. Gold stars next to the thermometer indicate levels of progress where new games become available to the student.