Assessments and Types

Which phrase are you most comfortable using and WHY:

Assessment OF Learning or Assessment FOR Learning? Why?

When I first read these phrases I Immediately thought assessment of learning is summative. Summative assessment makes sure that the student understands and knows the information being presented to them. Assessment of learning is accompanied by a number or letter grade, it compares one student’s achievement with a standard, results can be communicated to parents, and it occurs at the end of a learning unit. Assessment for learning is diagnostic and formative. Diagnostic assessment is finding out what the student knows. Formative assessment is ultimately keeping track and checking up on the student. Assessment for learning can be based on a variety of information sources (e.g., peer evaluation, journal entry, teacher observation, conversation). Verbal or written feedback to the student emphasizes strengths and challenges. Teachers check on understanding and adjust their instruction and don’t provide grades, but rather take notes for record keeping. As to which phrase I am most comfortable using, I can not choose, as I think both are equally important. When it comes down to assessment we need both phrases. We need assessment of learning to determine the level of understanding the student has achieved. We need assessment for learning to determine what a student does and does not know about a topic and their learning preference or style and to determine a student's knowledge and skills, including learning gaps as they progress through a unit of study.  Check out this short and sweet video that summarizes the two phrases: Assessment for Learning vs. Assessment of Learning

Authentic Assessments....What is it?

Authentic assessment is a way for students to learn by applying their skills to authentic tasks and projects. Authentic assessment does not encourage rote learning and passive test-taking. Instead, it focuses on students' analytical skills; ability to integrate what they learn; creativity; ability to work collaboratively; and written and oral expression skills. It values the learning process as much as the finished product.

Ideas for different types of assessments

Authentic

• Do science experiments
• write stories and reports
• read and interpret literature
• Solve math problems that have real-world applications

Diagnostic

• Journals
• Surveys
• Poster
• Mind Map

Formative

• Exit Slips
• 3-2-1
• Top Ten List
• Color Cards

Summative

• Unit Test
• Research Report
• Demonstration
• Exhibit

Check Out: My Professional Development on Formative Assessment (Extra Credit)

Check Out: Prompt and Rubric-Reality Check Pg. 92