0.2 A-reef: assessment  (Page 2/3)

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More examples

In addition to pre and post assessments, teachers can institute many other types of alternative assessment.

Post-unit assessments can include "lab tests." Student interpretation of data (especially data which they collected) can expose their understanding. Hands-on experiments that replicate a process used in the unit allow teachers to measure ability to use skills that were taught. Givencertain materials, students can construct a model of the current topic of study , i.e. the cell. Students could work alone or in pairs to design and/or carry out anexperiment.

A culminating activity such as a presentation, skit or teaching of others allows exhibition of student learning . The teacher should use the rehearsal for the public activity as the actual assessment,so that any nervousness won't hinder an accurate assessment of students' knowledge.

Things to Consider

When you start using alternative assessment, start small. One example of this is to use an old multiple choice question withoutproviding the answers. This eliminates the "guessing factor" for which multiple choice tests are famous.

Look for things that you already do to find evidence of students' thinking and learning.

Be realistic about the values of your school community.

If graded report cards are emphasized, be sure that youcan translate your assessments into traditional grades.

Assignment 4: your current and future assessment tools

Assignment 4: Your Current and Future Assessment Tools

HOW TO GET TO ASSIGNMENT 4:

One Way

Click on the link in color at the top of this page. When it appears, press "Save" and name the file so that you can work on thisassignment "off-line." You can type right on the assignment template. Be sure to save your assignment on a disk or on your computer hard drive.

Another Way

Copy the text below, and save it to your disk or computer.

GOAL: To review forms of assessment you already use. To expand upon or try a new assessment (or combination of assessments) for anupcoming lesson or unit of study.

GIVE: Feedback to others on their assignments at the TWB Learning Cafe

Assignment 4: Your Current and Future Assessment Tools

• List 7 different types of assessment you have used in your classroom practice.
• Next to each one listed in #1, describe it further with a one-sentence description giving a specific example.
• Think of a unit of study or activity you have already done with your students. Say what assessment tool you used. Describe otherassessment tools you think could also be useful that you may not have used for this instruction. (See examples from the previous pages tostimulate your thinking.)
• Think of a lesson or unit of study you will be teaching in the coming weeks. List all of the assessment tools that might be helpful touse.
• Next to each possible assessment tool you list in #4 (above), describe how it may be helpful to you and your students.

Types of assessments

Generative