Blog Reflection #3 - Assessment
I hope this week generated some thoughts on assessment and ways in which we can and should be assessing learning and change - not just in K12, but in higher education and throughout life! Learning is a continuous process and learning=change.
The article you were asked to review, Electronic Portfolios as Digital Stories of Deep Learning, focused on the difference between assessment for learning and assessment of learning and identified 10 research based principles related to AFL - assessment for learning. Which tenent did you most relate to and why? What potential if any, do you see for portfolio assessment? What do you think the creation and development of your portfolio will do for your learning?
Which tenent did you most relate to and why?
ReplyDelete- learners self-assess and receive specific, descriptive feedback about the learning during the learning, in my line of work I have found that learners benefit more form direct feedback, they want to know how they are doing and if they are on the right track. Also, I find it is easier to correct a mistake in the begining stages of learning.
What potential if any, do you see for portfolio assessment?
-the learner has the ability to express his/her learning in a way that is tailored to him/her and they are allow creative freedom
What do you think the creation and development of your portfolio will do for your learning?
-It would help me to reflect on how much I have grown as a learner and how and how much more I want to learn.
I support the Assessment for Learning tenet in that it individualizes learning. I agree that accountability for learning should in fact be placed on the learner. The person providing learning opportunities (i.e the teacher) should be held accountable for those opportunities; such as required and predetermined components for mastery of a particular subject. If a learner enters on a mastery level, plans should be in place to enhance the learning of that individual and not necessarily the entire class. In the even the majority of the class enters at the mastery level, the components should be changed to accommodate them as opposed to simply reteaching what they already know. The idea that learners should be consulted about their learning is one that I believe would revolutionize public school education. Tests are measurements of knowledge that is assumed to be learned, however, in many cases they are simply measuring prior knowledge and not necessarily new knowledge or items of discovery. Tests do not factor in illness during the time of the assessment, test anxiety, etc. I believe assessment should be addressed from the standpoint of the learner. For example, instead of asking generic multiple choice answer questions, why not ask the learner, what did you learn in this course? How did the war of 1812 affect an aspect of your life today? Or what diseases in 2012 are similar to the Black Death? What modern day prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or home remedies, if any, from today could be used during that particular time? I believe an Assessment for Learning approach would provide a more knowledgeable and global learner.
ReplyDeletePortfolio assessment is an excellent opportunity for the work of the learner to attest to his or her ability. I think it can provide a myriad of materials for an overall assessment that is typically not measured. The quality of the material presented would provide an excellent representation of not only the individual, but an insight into his or her thinking, processing and comprehension skills.
While I am not required to produce a portfolio, I believe it would place me in the shoes of the students I teach. I would be able to use it as not only a learning tool, but an instructing tool as well. I would be able to understand items that were frustrating and those needing clarification; the establishment of a true length of time for each project; and finally it would give me the ability to present a creative side as to who I am to my students.
Which tenent did you most relate to and why?
ReplyDeleteI feel that if we are to use portfolio as a form of assessment the clear choice in classrooms and part of education programs should be Assessments for Learning. I show this at work this past week. I substituted for fourth grade on Friday. At the end of the week all the students work is sent home for students and parents look at and discuss weekly work. One of the students was so excited to see grades they had made that he came up and showed me, hugged me, and high fived me. All this and it was my first day to be his sub-teacher. You could see and feel the excitement and emotion they had for themselves and for being able to show their parents. Now I know that this isn’t exactly a portfolio but, think it shows how these could be very powerful in educational setting.
What potential if any, do you see for portfolio assessment?
I think and feel that portfolios can be a way for the three vested parties (teacher, student, and parent) to see and feel the growth that is being made. Teachers can see the difference they are making. Students have a sense of empowerment in their education. Parents are more informed and involved which leads to being able to be part of their children’s education more.
What do you think the creation and development of your portfolio will do for your learning?
I think it will show me the importance if portfolio. This process will also be a way of showing me where I have been, where I am, and where I am going. It will be a very useful tool in my continuing journey to be a life-long learner.