I can see older students constantly using self assessment but it seems difficult to get younger students to take part in accurate self survey.
I use self-assessments when students hand in their writing assignments. Usually, depending on the scope of the assignment, I will ask them 3-5 questions such as: 1.) What is your strongest paragraph? Why do you believe this is your strongest paragraph? 2.) What is your weakest paragraph? Why do you believe this is your weakest paragraph? 3.) What is your thesis statement? Did your thesis change as you drafted your paper? If yes, how so and how did the rest of the essay change based on your new thesis? 4.) Do you feel that you have proven your thesis? Explain.
If they are working on a research paper, I will have them evaluate the process/progress they are taking/making. I will ask them where they found their best sources, how they plan on using their source material, and what areas they feel like they may need more information to support their thesis.
Having students evaluate their progress or their own writing is a way for me to get added insight into how they go about completing their assignments. Plus, it helps me see what they are thinking when it comes to their own writing.
I can then respond to their writing assignment as well as their self-assessment answers. Many times students are a bit more hard on themselves in these assessments, and it gives me the opportunity to let them know that they are making progress even if they feel like they're stuck.
There are a few great ways to use self-assessments. One great way to have students complete a learning styles inventory and write what they learned about themselves. Short educational quizzes are also a great way to expand a discussion or to use as a basis for a paper. For example, I teach business and communication courses. Students can take an assessment over listening and write about their finding.
Lacey Finley
I think the students like these since it gives them a sense of responsability. It really helps them to own their education.
It gives the students a way to identify points that they could use help with, before it becomes a bigger issue.
it helps student involvment
We have workbooks that go along with our chapters but at the end of the wookbook lessons we have "built in" reading through this I will be working it in my classrooom evaluations and assessments.
HI Marcia - You are welcome! ( Loved your visuals!) Susan
HI Susan
Yes I am right now grading their online papers about the Learning styles assessment. They are amazed sometimes at the results.
Many of them are kinesthetic learners and will have to do some jumping through flaming hoops to assist the learning process which is all online. I really don't know what to suggest but there are built in suggestions like balancing books on your head while reading online! (Or the flaming hoop:))
Thanks again Susan for your wonderful support.
Marcia
Ann's answer is very good and it also lets the student really think about how they are progressing in the class. I hopefully they will feel that they can talk to the instructor for advise on how they can improve.
HI Marcia- That's great news! Knowing why they learn the way that they do will really be helpful. Best wishes - Susan
Hello all;
My students just took an assessment in Learning styles it's built into our online course. They found out how they learn best and what style they seem to belong to. I think it helps them use study skills better and the feedback is so amazing to them.
Marcia
HI Ricardo - Thank you for your post! I agree that students are usually honest if not a bit negative about themselves. Best wishes - Susan
I like the idea of self assessment and have used it often , mostly the students do a very honest assessment of their skills and knowledge when it is about themselves, so it is always a good guideline to see if they are progressing well with the course and information. The self assessment if done regularly will detect in good time ,any problems the students may be having and get them back on track with the rest of the classs.
Hi Alicia - Welcome to ED 103! With self-assessment the student is arriving at the information themselves which I find often makes them more accepting of what they find. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Hello,
Student self assessment can be extremely effective because it shows the student what areas they need to improve in and their strengths and weaknesses
HChris - I agree, self-assessment questions give students a chance to think critically about their progress. They can also,as you mention, give us valuable feedback. Susan
Hi David - Thanks for your posting to the forum! I really like the idea of asking your students to assess themselves. It really puts the student more in the mode of taking responsibilty. Instead of "He gave me a "D" " it will be more like "I earned a "D" because....."
Best wishes - Susan
to show students the area or areas that they have mastered or where they need more training
I am already aware of their abilities to take quizzes and tests. If it is a habitual problem with assignments and studying then I wouldn't expect them to rate themselves very high. If they do, you might question whether they are being true to themselves. Either way, you can clear it up during assessments time.
