Yes, Aubrie, I agree that the summative assessment must match what has actually been taught in the course! Otherwise, it is an unfair assessment!
Cynthia Armes
I agree, Dr. McFaul, that using Bloom's Taxonomy is a strategic way to measure learning. It is already built into the general education rubric I used for summative assessment.
Cynthia
With summative assessments, it is vital that the instructor understand the learning objectives/outcomes and how those relate to real world learning. Students need to understand that the assessment makes sense outside of the academic arena, too. The summative assessment in my own course is the final research paper which should demonstrate critical thinking, documentation, and effective communication skills needed in real world professions.
Cynthia
The first would be whether the assessment match with the course topics (Syllabus). The second would be what the students learned (what they know and what they do not know).
Sherrilyn,
Great post! Not everyone or every subject "values" real world connection but in my discipline it is essential!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Juliet,
I agree with you. Wouldn't it be nice if we didn't and our students didn't focus on grades? I want students to focus on the feedback not the grade itself. This is a feat. You don't want to focus on the grade but the improvement.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cathleen,
You make a great point. Not everyone in the university setting appreciates the connection to careers. Our students need it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the two most important things to consider are:
Determining what the student currently knows which leads to what areas the student needs to improve in.
How will this assessment connect classroom/learning with the “real†world?
I like to focus more on the mastery of the subject through students participation than the grade itself. I understand the grade is sought, but I want the students to leave the course better than they started it, and so I try to make summative assessments throughout the course but in a manner that allows them success and encourages them to move forward. Nothing shuts a student down faster than a bad grade and harsh grader.
I agree that at our school we need to connect our lessons and lectures with the real world. Otherwise, students don't seem interested or motivated to participate. But, I realize they may not get that at a university.
Earl,
True, it is an assessment that "sums" up the learning. That is how I remember it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
As I have leasrned from this module. summative assessments are conducted at specific ends of a chapter, lesson, module, etc. Instructors need to be sure that that monitors students "grasp" of the information prior to administering this type of test. Also, they should make sure that that the test covers the information that was previously taught.
Randy,
Great post! You are right, how does it work for assessment. Can you use it again? Great thoughts.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Does the assessment apply broadly over the material instead of being to focused on one part and is it being conducted in a way that the student sees the true application of the knowledge rather than just learning for the purpose of testing and then forgetting.
Patty,
You are right! You have to test on the content. The content of the assessment should match the objectives of the material covered.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dale,
You need to use tools that are dependable technology wise as well as well developed instruments. I use a tool called Respondus that helps me create better tests in my LMS. I also look to the publishers regarding testing but I don't depend on them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dale,
I agree with you. I like to say the courses should be student-centered/ student responsible.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dale,
You are right. The data can tell you the story of what needs to be reviewed.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
One important thing to consider is if the assessment addresses different levels of learning, and two, does it reflect what was focused on in the course lessons and assignments.
Dr. Kelly,
You mentioned good tools are needed, and I agree. What examples of good tools would you suggest?
