Streamline Your Test Prep with Google Workspace: Tips for Educators

By Kelsey Ray, Bradfield Elementary

Google Docs, Slides, and Forms can be used to engage students in spiral review for end of the year testing. In this blog, educators will learn about how they can use Google tools to create spiral reviews for end of the year testing

In today’s digital learning environment, Google Workspace for Educators has become essential for engaging students. This post will explore how it works and how you can use it effectively in your classroom.

Google Workspace is a collection of tools that can benefit students and staff. This blog will focus on Docs, Slides, and Forms as review tools.

Docs

Google Docs is a great tool for letting students practice their typing and writing skills. On TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System), the students have to type responses. Also, on STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) the students have to construct short and extended written responses.

You can use Google Docs to allow students to get hands-on practice typing and writing. The students can type narratives, essays, letters, or any sort of writing on a Google Doc. Students can then use the Suggesting mode to make suggestions for editing and revising.

Slides

Google Slides is a tool that students can use to review math word problems and the steps needed to solve them. MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing and STAAR testing involves solving math word problems. 

You can use Google Slides to have students write their own math word problems. The students will be more engaged because they are creating their own math problems. On the following Slide, students can solve their partner’s word problem. They can explain their thinking and process in the Speaker Notes

Forms

Google Forms is a tool that can be used to differentiate spiral review. Teachers can take review problems and put them in a Form with branches based on how the students answer. This allows students to get exactly what they need and no instruction time is lost. 

For example, if they answer correctly, the student would be directed to an enrichment activity because they showed mastery on that TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). If the student misses the question, they would be directed to a video or resource to let them review the skill before trying a similar question.

Students in grades 3-12 can use the Google LTI in Canvas to submit assignments. If you work with students in lower grades, you can have them submit their links through a QR code that is connected to a Google Form. 

By incorporating Google Workspace into your teaching practice, you can engage students in spiral review. Give it a try, and watch how it enhances learning in your classroom.

Here are some Google Workspace for Educators tutorials if you need support with any of the tools. 

Try out one of these awesome tools to engage your students during testing review season!