Since the goal of summative assessment is to learn what students know, or can do, or might think after a set unit of study the summative tool must fit the assessment goal. A multiple choice test, for example, might not be the best way to gauge writing proficiency.
Additionally, the timeline for assessment should allow for adequate completion. To use the writing assessment example, assigning a research paper due in 48 hours might not allow students to fully demonstrate their ability.
I believe the 2 most important things are:
1. Were all the objectives covered?
2. To ensure that the student had a clear, concise understanding of the material throughout the course?
Mrs. Mitchell
You should have formatted the sumative assessment to fairly include a comprehensive evaluation of the course success of the student.
Prior to the summative assessment you should be confident that you provided the best effort possible to guide the students being assessed towards success.
bobbe,
You are correct. They should also match the outcomes of the course. good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
That the student has learned as far as the outcomes and objectives are concerned. (What they know along this line - or what they don't know) They are held accountable by their grade earned according to their proficiency of the subject matter. (Could be a grade on a project, etc.)
Pamela,
I agree, rubrics do help students understand grading. It also lets students know what is important in learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jared,
Great post you are right! We have to use the feedback as should the students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Elena,
I think we see more an more "clinical" type courses in the online environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Elena,
I agree, I say surprises are only for birthdays, anniversaries, and divorces:). Online courses should not be a mystery.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When conducting assessments I think it is important that students know beforehand what is expected and how they will be graded. Rubrics can fulfill this as the student can see exactly how and what they will be graded on. Secondly, I think summative feedback should evaluate both content mastery as well as critical thinking skills since student’s need both to function in a real world career.
First does the assessment reflect the objectives of the lesson. Second does the assessment test the knowledge of the students and provide feedback for the facilitator to grow from.
I am replying to my own posting here. I forgot we were talking about online courses. No clinical assessments here :-/
I agree with the rest of you. Making sure your summative assess agrees with the learning objectives is important and also making sure there is a fairly straight path from formative evaluations on through the summative. I am not a fan of having one format for formative evaluations and changing the format for summative evaluations.
It depends on whether is it a clinical or didactic assessment. Either way I think the students need to be fully informed of the format and content. I think surprises are unfair. In clinical assessments, the full engagement of the instructor is important. When it comes to written assessments, clearly written instructions and tests are important.
Paula,
Great point! They do have to be timely and this aspect of assessment can be overlooked.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael ,
Great point! The instrument has to be deemed effective in the assessment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
One thing to consider is that they are conducted in a timely manner otherwise the teacher may have too much to assess and the student will not have benefitted from the feedback. Another is that instructors need to be aware of the objectives and expected outcomes so they can most effectively help their students achieve success.
Paula
Hello Dr. Wilkinson,
Does the instrument used test how well student’s learned course material as defined in the course objectives. In addition, the instrument should or be designed so that the instructor can assess the students’ range of knowledge and skills.
Best wishes,
Michael Luzius
Carlos,
True, It is important that the student knows the improvement and that material is so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important to know the level the student was prior to receiving the material and after receiving the material.
Carolyn,
You are right. It is important to make the learning meaningful and relevant. Learners demand that!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
