Different types of evaluation systems
Since our school provides the grading system, I will not discuss the system but instead how I feel about the tests that are given to the students.
I believe that tests and quizzes are given to the students not only to measure what they know but most importantly is to know where they might need help.
Testing on their basic knowledge and then gving them a little bit more challenging questions will help students think and be challenged.
It helps me also to evaluate myslef how I did in teaching them what they are suppose to know.
I am not sure if I will agree with make up tests if they fail because the student might have a tendency of thinking she/he can always make up for it. I have never been in such a situation so I am not sure.
All I knowis I just want to make sure that the students learn so they will be successful with their career.
Hi Christina:
Certainly, we can see the merits of using this kind of system.
But the reality is it just wouldn't work for every learning environment, esecially those that are technical in nature. How about medical courses? If a student can not demonstrate their understanding of certain topics, they might not be able to be safe in their workplace.
Regards, Barry
Some colleges are starting to use a no grade method: students use self evaluation, peer evaluation and one on one time with the instructor. It is more work for everyone which seems to point to grades being a lazy way to evaluate.
It is about learning....not points. When a grade is needed for a transcript, they attach a grade but the real work is about learning. More critical thinking is involved, discussion, and real analysis of the work they are doing.
Hi Marlo:
Evaluation systems are best when they are customized to the the type of class or information that is to be taught. Essays for English; Quizzes with equations for math. Scan-tron for recall, application, and/or analysis. Worksheets for fill in the blanks.
Of course there are many skill and perfornce oriented testing and evaluation systems. Again, coustomizing these to the specific type of class will yield the best measuring strategy.
And that's the wholke point, to measure learning in ana fair and objective manner. Many roads exist to achieve that objective.
Regards, Barry
