In my classroom right now I use various modes of assessment. We are required to turn a pretest in with each lesson plan. This determines what my students know ahead of time. We are also required to include our weekly test and a weekly data analysis of the previous week's test. Our weekly test must be all multiple choice to model the MCT2. Much of my assessment has to follow this model but I do deviate as well. For instance, when I am testing something that isn't directly related to one of our essential objectives, such as a novel, I will use an essay format. I would prefer to use a variety of types of assessments because I agree that it is extremely important and it shows different ways in which students comprehend the material. I have also required two major projects this year. One required a one page paper with a poster-board project. The second was a one-page paper with a power-point presentation. Next year, I really hope to explore new ways of implementing assessments into my class. I am limited by district requirements that I have to follow, but I can add assessments in different formats. There is a book that I have ordered that seems to provide a great deal of ideas for classroom assessments:
https://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=9780787978778
"A Teacher's Guide to Classroom Assessment: Understanding and Using Assessment to Improve Student Learning"
by Susan M. Butler
I hope that next year I can branch out and be more creative in my assessments as well as my assignments and will help to branch off from the standardized test model.
:-)
Posted by: DrE | 04/28/2009 at 06:40 AM