Principles of Assessment

 

1. Communication about assessment is ongoing, clear and meaningful.

Feedback, either written or oral is key to student success.  Comments help students understand your thinking and provide them with a next step. Make a point of writing one or two sentences on submitted work, or conference with students while walking/monitoring the room. I always find however, that written feedback is more valuable to students when you can also sit down and talk about it.  OR, give the feedback and no mark, until the students have actually read your comments!

 

2. The process must include opportunities for students to explain why they presented their ideas in a particular way.

Provide reflection questions and conference with students so they can explain what they have done before you begin to mark it.

 

3. Students and parents are involved in the assessment process.

Give students criteria and have them create their own rubrics. Share marks and feedback with parents.

 

Summative Assessment

 

1. What is your belief about traditional and alternative assessment?

 

I believe that strong students will learn regardless of the format we give them.  Weaker students are limited in their ability to follow one format and need something that works for them.  Good teachers are able to create both types and pull the same information from students, regardless of their assessment option.

 

2. Is there a place for both?

 

There is definitely a place for both types of assessment, as long as the teacher and students both know that the end result will be the same for everyone.  It is very important that we mix up our types of assessment so that students are engaged and have the ability to show what they know in a way that is effective for them.

 

3. How can teachers use assessment for learning?

 

Teachers use assessment for learning through formative and summative assignments. Formative tasks are used to track student progress and provide teachers with enough data that they can give detailed feedback to students. Summative tasks are used when the teacher is certain that students are ready to demonstrate their knowledge before moving on to a different topic/skill.