One of my favorite alternative assessments is a case study. It is truly a synthesis of their learning and if the case is designed correctly, it will effectively measure the student's level of learning.
Group problem-solving excercises and short CATs have been most effective for me.
I would love to be able to give alternative assessments to my students; however, I feel that the course I've been teaching (Document Processing) doesn't lend itself well to these types of assessments. In a way, I am constantly assessing my students by observing whether or not they're exhibiting the proper typing technique, have their desk area and materials neat, or by reviewing their daily non-graded assignments.
They already present a mini informative speech at the beginning of the term, complete graded assignments in the computer software, and have both a paper-based midterm and final.
Perhaps someone has some suggestions as to assessments I could use in this class? Any suggestions would be welcomed! :)
Hi John- Thanks for your post to the forum. I love those sort of simulation exercises. The students really get into them and they learn so much! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like to challenge students to apply what they have learned in class. One of my favorite assessments takes place in my "Recording Industry" class. Around mid-term, I will inform the students that they will each be starting their own (imaginary) record label. I will have about 30 press kits made up from artists and the students will have to meet with me (the artist's agent) and sign them to their record label. They will then have to decide how to promote the artist and how much money to spend on the album releases. The simulation takes place in class, so each student can see how the other students are performing. All of the knowledge they need has been taught to them in the first half of class, so it is up to them to make wise business decisions during this simulation (as information is flying at them rapidly). In the end, the student who has made the most money wins. Grades are based on whether the student made or lost money, and how much was earned/lost. It is an assessment that shows me exactly what concepts students know and which concepts were harder to grasp. I can take this knowledge and use it to determine what we need to review in the second half of the term.
HI Jamie- Bravo! Your scenario skills assessments force your students to use analysis and synthesis of concepts in a "real world setting that will reinforce their learning as well as making them more confident as they enter their career fields. Excellent work!! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I teach in the medical assisting program at a career college. Instead of giving a traditional quiz frequently I will do a "hands on assessment". Now that can be tricky with med term or A&P, but what I will do is I will come up with a complaint as a patient. The complaint will be from the chapter that we just went through. I will act and talk as if I were a patient and have my future MA's take the lead in the appointment. I will ask them what do you think is wrong, can you explain it to me, what should I do, treatment etc. I have found that to be far more effective at getting the students to understand the content then taking a quiz.
In teaching Graphic Design and graphic software programs, I like to use practical problems to assess student progress and competency. I always make sure to list and spell out everything that they are supposed to do in the problem, like a checklist. That makes grading more fair.
Hi Harriet- Thanks for your post to the forum. You shared some other really useful other assessment types! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
other ways of assessing students besides formal tests include informal observation, hands-on skills using a rubric, peer evaluation and project/group activity evaluations. All are valuable and important measures of student knowledge.
Hi Mary - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, that is exactly the purpose of questioning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
We use a lot of discussions and I ask students questions. I they can't answer the question when I ask them, that shows that they do not know the information yet, or what we need to spend more time on.
Yes, I agree and having them do a group project together is yet another way that students can be tested.
I do not like traditional testing in most cases. I would much prefer to have students demonstrate what they have learned through writing a paper, making a presentation, or working on a project to show me that they have acquired the skills that were taught. Not everyone can read and understand the test questions, but they may very well have the knowledge. Using alternative testing provides students another way to display that have indeed learned the content.
Projects are also a good way to assess the students comprehension of the material.
Hi Wendy - Thanks for your post to the forum. Projects also assess the ability of students to apply concepts. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
As an instructor I want to ensure each student has a good basis at the end of the class to start the next course in the their learning. While I deliver chapter test on the objectives, there are also projects that are assigned to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the material. These projects are considered another form of assessment.
hi Mark - Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree - especially in a clinical setting, application based assessments are more appropriate. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. susan
Alternative assessments are especially important in the clinical setting when the classroom material is put into practice.
When I am blessed with a small class, I use observation and willingness to engage in critical thinking to guide my questions to the class, and then evaluate the answers over a period of time to assess internalizing of the material. I also set up application questions so that I can see who has made the transition.
