Testing that does it all
Howard Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences has been widely accepted, practiced, and preached for several generations. Yet, we still pretty much boil things down to a math score and verbal score.
Soon, I hope, through technology we will add music, visual arts, and even web cam motion to our tests of students. I wish we would develop testing that does it all.
Jonathan,
This is more common that we think. So the more alternative forms of assessment we can offer to our students the more accurately we will be able to assess their instructional growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree i see students all the time that are able to do the work and then when testing comes along they either freeze or just forget their basic skills that i know they have been taught and have the knowledge to process and demonstrate
Steve,
I agree with the standardized testing and loss of talent. I see it frequently. You are right though we are stuck with this format until we can get a viable alternative format in place that is accepted by students, schools, boards and employers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do not like the standardized test approach, either, as it does a poor job with some people. However, until something better comes along, we're sort of stuck with it. I have no doubt that some folks are placed into certain work/skill jobs based upon how they scored--and these folks may never be really happy with what they do or work at all their life. Unfortunate. We are probably wasting a lot of talent.
Ken,
We are getting better but as a person that does not take standardized test well at all I can really appreciate your comments. We need to be able to assess what students know and where their talents lie rather than just a couple of narrow areas.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
