Why do we Assess Learning?
The point being made here is that, without assessing these types of things, we wouldn't be able to take corrective action in time to avoid a terrible issue down the road. The same is true for teachers and their students. If I never assessed the learning of my tractor driving instruction, and how well the students learned to drive a tractor, they may end up putting one through the wall someday. We assess student learning to be sure:
1) Students are learning the material
2) Students are able to apply what they've learned
3) Our techniques in teaching that material are effective
What is the Difference Between Formative and Summative Assessment?
Formative assessment is when we grade individual students and provide feedback with a low-stakes assignment or task. This is the type of assessment that occurs most frequently in the classroom, and is intended to provide students with feedback and monitor their progress. Summative assessment are the larger type assignments that are worth more points and typically require more student input. Summative assessments are usually exams or projects that are a larger part of a student's grade for the course. These types of assessments are intended to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction throughout the larger swaths of the course. For example, a midterm exam is a summative assessment used to gauge how well the class preforms and how well they've learned the material.
Assessment isn't always a test, or a quiz. Any means by which we can gauge how well are students are learning and applying what they've learned can be utilized as assessment. Not only do we assess if students know the material, but also to what extent they do. We are facilitators of learning, and we need to provide a means by which we can uniformly and effectively measure and adjust that learning.
Ryan, nice job relating the readings to real world analogies and examples! Assessment is something that ag teachers use everyday, especially in the informal form. How do you plan to assess your students once you are in the classroom? Were there any examples from the readings that really stood out to you?
ReplyDeleteRyan, I loved your metaphor!! One thing I'm constantly challenging our cohort to do is include their "action plan with assessment." What's the next step in the metaphor? You've done the check, you've assessed the measure, but what action do you need to take? How will you change the oil, fill up the gas, or adjust your acceleration to make sure your students are along for the ride?
ReplyDeleteThe opening of your blog is great! I also liked how you cleaely listed why we use assessments.
ReplyDeleteHi Ryan, This was a great way to explain the need for assessment! So creative! I'm excited to see your creativity in designing the actual assessments for your students. Disguising an assessment as a fun and exciting project can take the stress out of the assessment for the student.
ReplyDeleteRyan, great analogies for why assessments are important in education/learning. Assessment is a very vital yet tricky component to teaching. Be aware that many schools are moving away from focusing on grades and focusing more on learning outcomes. While some content will always be best assessed via a traditional written test, continuously explore alternative forms of assessment such as rubrics. Formative assessment is definitely important during instruction/learning as well.
ReplyDeleteyour examples in the beginning is fantastic! Do you think you'll use a wide variety of assessments in your own classroom?
ReplyDelete