Creating Self-Checking Activities in Numbers

A couple of years ago when I had classroom of fewer socially distanced students, I needed a safe way to give students feedback while they worked independently. When transitioning back to a classroom full of students who all simultaneously needed my attention and reassurance they were on the right track, I found myself in the same position trying to find ways to assess student learning while they independently completed work.

I created classwork and other activities in Numbers where they would get immediate feedback on whether their answer was correct or incorrect based on a the conditional highlight rules created for the cells where answers were entered. I started with easier cell formatting where they would turn red for incorrect answers and green for correct answers.

Once I was comfortable using Numbers to create these self-checking activities, I was learned a few tips and tricks and my creativity kicked in! When reviewing our multiplication facts, I created multiplication fact mystery pictures using a "mixed up" multiplication chart. Because the rules work in sequential order, I could use some formatting shortcuts. I also learned that I could combine the rules for the cells with similar rules at the same time, and then make fewer edits to the existing rules.   
This past year, I have transitioned to a coaching role, where I work with multiple grade levels, so I have the opportunity to show how this can be used in all grade levels and subject areas.  
Kindergarten Check Box Example
 
Kindergarten Phoneme Segmenting
Keeping students accountable was another road block I experienced. To keep students from just guessing until it their answer turns green, I would change the color of the cell to indicate correct answers.  
Decimal Brackets with different color quadrants
I have attached a master Numbers document with all of these activities mentioned. My initial goal was to foster student independence with tasks that students could complete without needing direct teacher reassurance, which allowed me focus my attention on smaller groups. Then it quickly turned into fun and engaging activities that all of my students loved.

Attachments

10 replies

November 04, 2022

Numbers is such a powerful tool for ANY classroom and conditional formatting is a game changer when it comes to fostering student independence. Thanks for sharing your story, ideas and resources for how you've been able to bring this to your learners.

❤️ everything about this post, Lydia!

November 07, 2022

This is AMAZING! I hadn't thought about using Numbers in this way. How long did it take you to create these examples?

November 29, 2022

They get easier as you make them. The first couple took about 45-60 minutes, but now you learn quick tricks to make it go faster!

December 06, 2022

Thanks for the feedback! I would love to see what others have created.

November 11, 2022

So many possibilities with Numbers, and I love that you highlighted some creative options in your post. I think many people simply think of Numbers as a "spreadsheet" app, but the sky's the limit with a little teacher creativity! :)

November 16, 2022

I love using conditional highlighting for immediate feedback for students!

December 03, 2022

Oh now THIS is a game-changer!!!! Thanks for sharing!

January 11, 2023

What a great resource! Love how conditional highlighting provides immediate feedback to learners during independent learning. Thank you for sharing, Lydia!

February 15, 2023

Thank you Lydia for sharing such innovative and powerful ways to enhance learning with Numbers.

July 22, 2024

This is amazing!!!! #ala51


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