I like the way you have looked at this from the instructor point of view. I thought about it solely from the student perspective.
I would make sure that the test given tests what it is intended to test. The tool used must be valid and reliable as a way to measure student learning.
I think that the most important issue to consider is to ensure that the assessment tool appropriately assesses the learning materials and the objectives intended. It is pointless to test students when the criteria is wrong. Also, it is important to make sure that the standard is appropriate. Challenging exams are more motivating than excessively easy exams.
Colette,
I agree with you. Timing is everything. You do want them to make that real world connection to use their new found skill or knowledge.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Brian,
You make valid points. It is so important to ask about the technology and its role in learning from the student's point of view. They can provide very good feedback. We think about the content but not always how it is delivered.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tanya,
Interesting, there is good technology that will allow you to spot check understanding and critical thinking.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Earl,
I don't think it is a bad idea. There is nothing wrong with providing changes here and there to keep engagement level high.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would say that one of the most important things to consider would be "the timing of the assessment". The second thing would be "whether or not the student understands the material". Another thing would be "can the student make a connection between the material learned and the real world".
When considering a summative assessment the two most important things to consider are:
1) Student opinions on the technical aspects of the course. For example, was the LMS effective? Was content delivery effective? Did they feel they had the tools to complete the learning objectives (even if they didn't)? Did they feel the instructor was ready and able to help/facilitate if they needed it? The answers to these questions can often times be difficult to gauge as a student may feel their poor performance came from negative answers to the above questions.
2. Content of the course. Was it too advanced? Not advanced enough? Does the student understand why they took the course/relevance to their collegiate or profession career?
Asking these questions can also help the student reflect upon the course in a way that they had not yet considered in addition to providing useful feedback to the facilitator and course designer.
Best,
Brian Stout
Two important things to consider are whether the student understood the material and can they accurately repeat it. In math, critical thinking is the most important lesson learned. I am always looking to see that the students gained a little critical thinking.
Karen,
You actually do make a great point on students knowing what's expected at the outset. As an instructor, I give my students all the requirements up front, but I don't always give them all the tools right at the outset. I stagger it to keep them engaged. That might not be the best idea.
Thanks!
Earl Barnett
Michael,
I would also want to know if I can get the information I need from the assessments to make those decisions. Good observation.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jacqueline,
Great post! The assessment should "sum up" what the student learned. There also should be multiple measured that are varied.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Leigh,
You make such great points! Students need your feedback both positive and negative comments. You may need to show them how to take those comments to improve their learning. I am not sure students can do that effectively.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The two things I would consider are; did the student achieve the goal and lean the material and was there anything that could be improved.
An the concusion of every course, I believe it is important to determine if the students have gained knowledge of the content of the course. The assessement should be prepared in a manner that what has been taught is being tested. Assessments tools such as quizzes and tests should be prepared to show that the students remember what has been taught. But just as important, students should be given an opportunity to display their understanding of the course's content through explanations and summarizations.
I would think that the two most important things to consider are 1. What the student is meant to show comprehension of (the learning objective) and 2. What markers they hit, in order to show their comprehension (ie: what topics they effectively address, and those they do not). Without knowing what students "should" have learned, and "how" they show they have learned those things, nothing can be properly evaluated.
Jennifer,
How does this apply to your summative assessments? Are those items your objectives?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
First, does the student fully understand the concepts taught through the course and second, can they put those concepts into action to assist them with their career search.
Sandy ,
You are so lucky to have a mentor that address the process. It can be very difficult to grasp when not everyone has the big picture of learning in a program.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
