Did the instructor clearly express to the student the objective of the lesson/project? Was the path to success clearly laid out? The second, is whether the skills/knowledge being assessed is applicable to a "real world" situation(s). That is especially true at my school students are prepared for an entry-level type position that may require a number of different skill-sets.
In providing the summative assessments of the students, I believe that it is most important that I understand what the expectations/objectives were for the student. Then when I reviewing the students work, I reflect on whether I was able to provide the necessary guidance to the student so that they could learn the material. The second thing to consider is whether or not the student has responded to the material in a way in which you are sure that they understand it and can apply it in their future career.
Twyla Arnold
Eman,
You need to be careful that your assessment assesses your outcomes. If you outcomes cover all levels of learning then your assessment should assess them at those level. The assessment should match the outcomes and vice versa.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Eman,
You need to be careful that your assessment assesses your outcomes. If you outcomes cover all levels of learning then your assessment should assess them at those level. The assessment should match the outcomes and vice versa.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Kelly and everyone,
Summative assessments need to cover all levels of learning from creating at the top level to remembering at the bottom level. Moreover, the connection between what is being assessed in the classroom and what knowledge and skills are applicable to the real world is important to be considered.
Bruce,
Yes, how do make sure they complement your assessments.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Know your objectives... This is very important.
Tami,
I too like the backward design. In fact, you should be able go from assessment and "connect the dots" all the way through activities to learning goals and back down. Everything should link.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Terry,
True, they also must be reliable in that they measure consistently what they are suppose to measure.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Katrina,
You are right. We expect our students to change and work toward improvement and we don't always practice what we preach.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Katrina,
I don't believe in study guides, but I do believe students need to know expectations which should be linked to assessment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tomi,
Yes, we forget that summative assessment is to determine the right course of the course. If the assessment is appropriate, it is rich with information to improve learning and teaching.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tomi,
Summative assessments are for both the student and the instructor. If students are missing certain questions, then it reflects on my role in the assessment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Katrina,
Great terms, valid and reliable. Both are very important for the integrity of the assessment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tomi,
Great post. Yes , the assessments should assess what it is suppose to assess. If the objectives say evaluate something your assessment should match it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Summative assessments of the goal of measuring that has taken place during a learning unit. I am a proponent of the backward design method whereby the assessment is designed and the learning activities are designed to help students proceed through the learning and develop a deeper understanding. With this in mind, it is important to make sure the unit objectives align with the assessment and the assignments support the objectives and thereby the assessment.
Summative assessments evaluate an end product and assign a grade. As such they must:
1. be consistent with the objectives
2. be consistent with a pre-established rubric
Yes, we should consider the different tools. Too often we do not think about the options and end up doing the same multiple choice exams over and over again.
I agree that it is very important for students to know in advance what they are being tested on. Good point.
I always look at student assessment and course evaluation as two separate things but I suppose summative assessment of students can be used to help instructor to grow as well.
