"Most teachers and current textbooks offer varied approaches to the material to be learned so the teaching can be brain-compatible with the varied student learning styles. It is only logical that respect for these individual learning styles be incorporated into assessment forms."
Scooped by Beth Dichter |
What types of assessments are best to use, that allow students to demonstrate what they know? Five suggestions are provided (and more depth may be found in the post).
* Option 1: Open-Book & Take-Home Tests - but this is not the type of open book test you might think of at first. You want your students to "synthesize disparate facts and perspectives to construct new knowledge."
* Option 2: Student-Made Tests - have students submit questions and rewrite/rephrase to have students show higher order thinking skills. This suggestion also includes a section on How My Students Create And Study For Their Own Exams.
* Option 3: The Complexity & Diversity Of Project-Based Learning -Think about projects that will let students show mastery of new knowledge.
* Option 4: Written Response–Or Rather, The Pre-Writing -This may seem like an odd choice but read the description in the post to understand the reasoning.
* Option 5: Ask A Question - Not just any question but one that will require students to think beyond the book. This section moves you from a question that is topic based to one that will show understanding.
Like other comments on this scoop, I really like this article, especially items #1 and #2. I really like those options because they are unconventional options that I still think would provide an appropriate level of challenge for the students as well as provide an alternative form of just a simple pencil and paper exam. I think option #1 is more feasible for elementary school because it would allow students to work on skills that are more age appropriate like consolidation of information and looking for quality source material.
Sounds like some great ideas to stimulate critical thinking
All 5 assessment methods involves students leading the learning. Asking the students questions based on their reading of the topic helps their analytical skills and allows them to be in charge of their learning.