It is important that the instructor has a clear understanding of the objectives of the course and creates an assessment that includes those objectives.
If possible, creating an assessment that will measure "real skills" learned is ideal. This is easier in some types of courses than others. In computer course, students can be required to create documents utilizing the concepts presented during the course.
revonna,
True, we do get so caught up in the fixes that we don't comment on the good. Positive feedback is just as important as constructive feedback.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
revonna,
I agree with you. You need to say their name. This is a powerful to in f2f and that doesn't change in the online environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
revonna,
I just posted elsewhere about the need to educate our students on how to use assessment. They don't use the feedback they look at the grade. This has to change to improve learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Merle, great point I think sometimes we focus so much on improvements needed that we fail to let the student know what was actually done correctly. Thanks for reminding us.
Trista, yes I found that students definitely want to know that the instructor has read their contribution to the discussion board and assignments. It is good to show students that they are individual and important by personalizing their feedback. Great point!
Since summative assessment normally takes place at the end of the assignment or project and serves as measurement of accountability to determine if the students have comprehend or mastered the objectives required, I feel it is important that the students first understand and comprehend the objectives presented and it is equally important that the professor provide assignments and feedback that can determine if the students have accomplished the objectives identified.
Robert,
That is great point. How do you use the summative data?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the two most important things are:
- keeping handy what the original course objectives are
- being sure the learners are well aware of the entire process
Carolyne,
True, you make a great point. Authentic assessment can be used as remedial feedback.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the two most important things to consider is:
Is the summative assessment based on the objectives/outcomes of the course and relates to different learning styles of students.
Is it an authentic assessment which can be used for remedial feedback for the student (if the course continues) or for the instructor.
Melissa,
Great point. You need good tools to provide you the data you need.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the two most important things to consider when conducting summative assessments are:
*What are the primary learning objectives that are being assessed?
*What tools are best suited to most effectively assess what is being evaluated.
~Melissa
Aubrie,
True, sometimes the assessment issues are our fault!!! Great point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I find it is very important to assess the assessment; making sure that the items being assessed were actually taught. I find that many instructors assess skills that were not taught and were not prior knowledge skills.
Another important item to remember when conducting summative assessments is to ensure you are utilizing the proper type of assessment depending on the skill or objective being assessed.
karen,
Great post. You make such good points. Summative assessments are so important to the engagement of the student.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Two important points in summation assessments..
1. a path to continue learning..adaptive learning and feedback.
2. time to continue to practice and absorb before reengaging in the assessment. Otherwise, a learner may get frustrated and quit.
Cindy,
I really like your point, "what are the ways students demonstrated the knowledge or skill". You do have to look at the course holistically to see where students struggled and where they had their "breakthroughs" Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Linda,
True, you must know the objectives and follow them. That is your road map for summative assessment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When conducting summative assessments at the end of a course, I think it's important to consider
1. What were the objectives for the course and were they met?
2. What can be improved going forward?
If your students learn the objectives, what are the ways they demonstrated this knowledge? It's important to look back on their work and assess how they have advanced throughout the course. In addition, it's important to look at areas that could improve. What did they not understand clearly? How could you help them to have a better understanding of this concept? What can you, as the instructor do to make the course better? It's important to evaluate the students, course and yourself as the instructor.
