Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Module 8



 Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.

        As I reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning, I have to disagree with the statement.  Tests are a tool to assess student learning but do not serve as then only method for assessing student learning.  There are many tools we can utilize to assess student learning.  Learning does not always have to be assessed with a pencil and paper.  Student learning can be assessed through observation, projects, portfolios, performance tasks, and   many other methods.

        The goal of assessment is to evaluate the student’s understanding of concepts/content.  Any method that provides the measurement of their understanding is considered an assessment.  Students should be given a variety of assessments to demonstrate their understanding.  I believe assessments should provide real life connections where they are able to apply their understanding.  Providing a variety of assessments meets the needs of learners.  In education, we have come to the reality that all students can learn but learn differently.  The assessments should also represent the learners in the classroom.  Teachers should have multiple ways to assess students’ learning.  Multiple ways to assess student learning will also provide the opportunity for learners to apply their learning in different ways.  Allowing the opportunity for learners to apply their learning in different ways gives them more experience and the teacher more data/evidence to determine the level of understanding of the students.



    Take a look at the following Edutopia video that discusses assessments.






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