Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.

The idea that tests are the only way to assess student learning is a flawed and is often misunderstood.  As educators, we understand that students are different and so wouldn't they also learn differently.  
Hence why there is ton of research and support around different types of assessments other than tests.


I believe most of the confusion draws from what is a formal or an informal assessment.  The myth is that formal assessments are strictly tests and the only way to gather accurate data.  No matter, an assessment checks for understanding; whether it is a high-order thinking question during class discussion or a quiz.   The key to successfully integrating the results into teaching is to assess differently, both qualitative and quantitative date so observations are not biased.

In the video below is a great example of how to use all the data to get an understanding or your students and teaching through analyzing the data.

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