I thought I would throw this topic out there because it isn't something that any of my classes throughout the year have discussed in depth. Assessment is going to be a major part of our job and I think it is important to develop a philosophy on ones views of assessment. Throughout my life I have only really been exposed to traditional assessment through test scores or paper grades but lately I have been learning a lot of alternative assessment. I think that less traditional assessment is going to become a lot more popular especially with most provincial exams not being mandatory.
An example of this is in one of my classes everyone needs to get 76% or higher on the midterm. If students do not receive this they are given the opportunity to rewrite until they receive this mark. We are even given a sample midterm so there are no surprises when we write the test. I think that this type of grading is great because students are given the chance to redo the test until they receive that mark needed. I would like to try this type of marking in my class but I am unsure how it would work in the high school setting. The difference is that in my class you need a B+ to pass the course and to get a higher letter grade you need to do extension assignments. I don't think you would be able to demand that type of grade with a high school class but allowing students to rewrite a test seems like a great way for them to really learn their stuff.
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ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting. When I first heard about the B+ assessment in that class, I thought it was unfair, because for making the websites and writing reflections on articles, there can be some that are better than others and therefore should deserve a better grade. Also, you only need to get 76% on the midterm which I got 95%, however, I only get a B+. I was a little bit unhappy that I did not receive a higher mark, however, I just know that I have a better knowledge than some of the other students and that I will be more prepared for the practicum.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, this type of assessment will not fly in a high school because those who study really hard and receive higher grades, deserve to get higher grades. In highschool those who work harder should get the better grades. It is unfair for students to do minimal work and pass and receive the same grade as someone who went above and beyond.
As I have learned,
assessment for,
assessment as,
and assessment of are the three types of assessment. These are very important to use in all classes. Students should evaluate each other, students should self evaluate and the teacher should evaluate in a classroom. With students evaluating, it gives them responsibility and a purpose in the classroom and provides room for them to see how they are progressing and if they are doing the best they can.
Teacher assessment is probably the main type of assessment because that is going to indicate the student passing. Tests are required to see if information has been learned and the teachers should be prepared to give these as a type of assessment.
Kim I think this could work in the high school setting but it would just have to be modified.It could be used in PE, which often the levels of skill and participation vary greatly.The contract grade could involve such issues as strip and attendance and even involvement.Higher marks could then be received for going beyond (ex mastering of a sport) or maybe a sport ed model one of the less athletic kids could get really involved and improve their grade which is often important to them.It could be used to involve the inactive kids.Taking the focus off the skills and abilities for grading could be beneficial.
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