I think the majority of teachers today would disagree that tests are the only objective assessment of student learning. Teachers have state standards and testing shoved down their throat 24-7. They are under so much pressure for students to perform on state tests that sometimes the "fun" is taken out of learning. Of course, standardized tests are not the only tests students are faced with. Teachers prepare tests all through the school year that are similar to state tests as added practice and remediation for students. Many factors can play a part in how students perform on tests that can drastically change the accuracy of the students' knowledge. Student behavior and home life definitely factor in. What kind of day the student is having can also make a difference. It is simply not fair to base a students' assessment on tests alone.
Although multiple-choice tests or standardized tests may be easier for teachers to use as assessments, they should not be the only means available to students to demonstrate their knowledge. Allowing students to create portfolios and do demonstrations are great ways for them to show what they have learned. Technology opens the door for students to create so many presentations and documents that are also fun to do. Students will work harder if they enjoy what they are doing. Using rubrics and allowing students to do self assessments and peer evaluations are also alternative ways for students to demonstrate knowledge. Teachers need to be creative in how they assess student learning. It may take more time and effort but the students will greatly appreciate it.
Allow me to posit my posting by stating that every assessment is subjective. Whether the assessment tool is a forced choice, observation, multiple choice, portfolio, or any other format, the questions and observation is laced with bias. This is why an assessment system like triangulation is valuable. Triangulation in assessment involves the use of multiple tools to provide quantitative and qualitative data about student learning. Multiple assessments from various perspectives and angles provide a more complete picture of a student’s true achievement and learning.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to include your personal reflections in the form of a WebLog over the past 8 weeks. I have learned more about you and your colleagues as I reviewed your postings. A WebLog is a great tool for personal reflection and assessment about various topics and about what you have learned. A WebLog is a great tool to allow students to share their own input about what they have learned, a valuable perspective in the 21st century classroom.
DrE