Group sessions--open discussions--these are always good teaching tools.
I use many different assessments with my students. I teach a hands on program, so one of the big things I do is skills assessment. Each student must demonstrate skills before they move on to the next set of skills. This is done one on one so the student does not feel that other students are watching them.
Hi Deborah- Thanks for your post to the forum. The "real world"scenarios that you use with your students will also likely increase their retention of the material that they are learning.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi David- Thanks for your post to the forum. I also like to use research and presentation projects with my students. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
If we agree that all students learn differently, then we have to agree with all students show what they've learned differently.
On my tests, I always have different types of problems from T/F to multiple choice to performance events.
It gives students many opportunities to show their knowledge.
Unfortunately, since I am a math teacher, there are limits to the different assessment tools I can appropriately use.
I usually assign a writing example based on their experience during the term. For some classes, students are required to research a medical illness to present to the class. The students are graded on the research and the presentation.
Hi Mike - Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention, sometimes by asking students to explain what they don't understand can be very eye-opening. It can become apparent that not only do they not undersatnd the immediate concept or skill, but clearly also don't understand the underlying concepts. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
By, Edwardo Mojena
I assess my students by using real life experience and return now they use their critical thinking skills to solve situations.
In my lab classes I ask my students to verbalize their problem to me. This helps me determine how lost they really are and what their level of understanding is for the topic.
I teach Clinical and Laboratory classes where I utilize the demonstration and/or oral quiz method. This helps to reinforce what they have learned as well as teaches them to be able to explain the clinical procedures to a future patient in their respective fields.
Critical thinking skills. Actual application of the knowledge to real life completes the assessment.
As a trained educator, I LOVE alternative assessments. They provide all students of all learning levels to actually show what they can achieve. What I mean by this is if I assign a project as an assessment rather than an objective test low and high achieving students will both be able to demonstrate their learned content. By giving alternative assessments, such as a science presentation within the topics covered in class, lower students can create a presentation they can be proud of and gifted students can take the presentation to the next level. It is a win-win situation for all. As a side note, they do often times take longer to grade, but that's my job!
I do not have a lab in which to assess learning objectives, but I have students give me real life examples of some of the learning techniques we have covered so that I can test their understanding and reasoning skills.
Hi Kathleen - Writing courses such as Composition are probably the most difficult to assess. Do you use grading rubrics? Susan
In the English Composition, I evaluate and grade students' writing pieces. Mini lessons are given the first few weeks of the course prior to the actual writing of essays. Students learn the basics of grammar, punctuation, the writing process, etc. When they submit their final copy, I grade these essay based on how well they apply what they have been taught. I look for a well-written, creative writing piece.
Hi Kevin - Thanks for your mention of the importance of grading rubrics for assignments which can be subjective! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Some other ways to assess students can be projects, reaserch papers, presentations, hands on applications such as a lab setting. If you are going to do other types of assessment it is important that you have a rubric that is fair for all studnets and they understand how they are to be graded.
asking student how they would use the information in work sphere or find application in daily life.
how would they rate if anyone used the information to assess the situation in particular manner.
ethical or logical application of the information ion work sphere -debate
HI Alice - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are giving your students excellent tools to use as they move into their careers - great work! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
During the class lecture on a specific topic, I offer a real life situation for the students to discuss. Not only do I want to assess the application of their knowledge, but also their use of critical thinking and problem solving. Sometimes I bring in a recent newspaper or journal article that is related to our current topic or talk about a situation from my previous work experiences and ask them "how would you handle this situation?" or "what would you expect to happen in this situation?" Also, We often discuss ethics and values during these discussions.
