- Reflects the goals and values of particular disciplines
- Helps instructors refine their teaching practices and grow as educators
- Helps departments and programs refine their curriculum to prepare students for an evolving workplace
In this blog post, I will be addressing ways to not only have formal assessments, but also how to have informal assessment and how to do both stress-free.
For informal assessment strategies:
1. Walk around the classroom and meet with students one-on-one. As them to show you what they are working on. For instance, if it is a math problem, have them show you what they are doing. Notice the steps that they are taking. Is it correct? Are they only getting the answer wrong because of a silly mistake or is it because they do not understand the full concept? This is a way to see what they know without formally evaluating them.
2. Split them into small groups. Do the same thing. Have them sit in a group and walk around to the groups to see who is involved and engaging in the conversation. Make sure they are not intimidated by others before you assume they are not learning. Write down things that you notice and address them to that student later on.
3. Have them make a reflective journal. This can show the teacher what they are learning and also what they can be working on while also having them practice writing.
Formal:
1. I do believe that tests are necessary to monitor where the students are. The tests should not be the only form of assessment, but they should be implemented in the classroom. Do not make the students feel frightened that there is a test. Make sure that are confident and relaxed going into the exercise by talking to them before and help take the pressure off.
2. When taking a formal test, help the students by going through stress-relief exercises. This can be having them dance in their seat for a second or doing breathing exercises.
There are many ways to assess students and teachers should never feel obligated to stick to one particular method.
I really enjoyed your post and think that I will definitely keep in mind some of your ideas. I think that journaling and group work are two great ways to assess children informally. I agree that assessment is necessary, including formal assessment, but it's also important to include stress-free styles of assessment that sometimes the children aren't even aware of so they are not affected by the pressure. Assessment is always an issue that teachers have a lot to say about so it was fun reading your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI think it is a really good idea to go up to students for a one on one. It not only helps you make sure that you have a relationship with all of your students, but it helps them in the long run. I remember I always did better when I learned had personal instruction rather than a large group. It makes it easier for them to understand, so that is a very good idea! And journals are always great.
ReplyDeleteI like how you've incorporated test anxiety/testwiseness into your assessment. Combining this with your informal assessment, I feel like your classroom environment would be very positive and encouraging.
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