ANALYSE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ASSESSMENT METHODS IN RELATION TO MEETING THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF LEARNERS. UNIT 2, 6.2
Race, P. (2009) says “we need a richer mix of high-quality assessment formats, and we also need to decrease the overall burden of assessment for ourselves and for our students. We need to measure less, but measure it better.'
Using a variety of assessment methods gives students more scope to demonstrate their knowledge and skills across a range of contexts. By adopting a wider catalogue of assessments I can also help support students who may for one reason or another be underprivileged by the extensive use of particular assessment formats. A variation of assessment methods, where appropriate and practical, can therefore successfully
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The Equality Act 2010 demands that 'reasonable adjustments' be made, both to the way that students' education is provided and 'in the arrangements it makes for deciding upon whom to confer a qualification'. The legislation requires students' needs to be anticipated – so any necessary adjustments should be in place before they are actually required. There are implications for assessment, but the actions you might take to do this could well benefit all students. Mortimore P (ed) (1999).
One way to ensure that I am not inadvertently discriminating against students on the basis of their disability is to make my assessments as valid as possible. A valid assessment will measure only those skills and knowledge that I have set out to measure, i.e. those that are detailed in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. As such, a student shouldn't be penalised for poor spelling and grammar if the criteria state that the assessment will measure understanding of the subject. Moore A
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In particular, authentic methods of assessment, those which closely look like the ways in which skills and knowledge are used in the real world, can help to motivate students above and beyond more traditional methods of assessment, such as essays. Needless to say that essays are in any way a 'poor' or inappropriate form of assessment. However, there may be opportunities in which I could still support the learning outcomes as an essay whilst better engaging my students with the assessment task. In some cases the use of certain assessment methods are overpoweringly resource-intensive. Classroom assessment and grading practices have the potential not only to measure and report learning but also to promote it. Indeed, recent research has documented the benefits of regular use of diagnostic and formative assessments as feedback for learning (Black, Harrison, Lee, Marshall, & Wiliam,
Learners may be required to exhibit proof to show that they meet the requirements of the course (e.g. a certificate). In addition to this, learners may be asked if they have any specific learning needs, so that suitable steps could be taken to ensure those needs are accommodated for. For example, if a learner has dyslexia, the teacher could be notified beforehand, and can be given some training on learning strategies for students with dyslexia. In addition to this, the teacher can assess how well the student is doing in class, and can decide whether the student would gain benefit from attending additional classes or workshops to aid their learning experience. Furthermore, students who have auditory or visual impairment can be assigned a classroom assistant or volunteer to help them with their studies (Barron 2020).
The author explains that multiple means of data collection must be used to identify students. Additionally, assessments tools used by educators must be reliable and valid. Furthermore, educators need to frequently gather data on students who are considered at risk several times per year in the areas of reading and math. The author further explains that a team of educators should identify evidence-based instructional strategies the general education teacher should apply before making a special education referral for services.
In Tovani’s Chapter 8, “What Do I Do with All These Sticky Notes?” Assessment That Drives Instruction, the focus is on assessment methods in the classroom. Tovani starts off by introducing a story about her students’ curiosity regarding tests, and she responds by explaining what she expects from her class. Moreover, the chapter explains an educator’s outlook on tests and how they are applied. Aside from the views, the process for selecting assessments is also mentioned.
The effort needs to focus on every child and their needs. In his work as an education guru, Robert Marzano offers guidance that could lead us toward curriculum and instruction that celebrate student learning and achievement, but more importantly, growth. Formal assessments are good if they reflect points in the students journey, not as a one and done grade (Marzano, 2013). Formal assessments for students should only represent points on a performance scale. Marzano noted that "characteristics of sound feedback" include that it should be frequent, give students a clear picture of their progress and how they might improve, and provide encouragement.
Assessments are a teacher’s tool that builds a profile on student’s growth and are the “tell-tell” detectors that provide the with teacher information on a student who may need additional services in and beyond the
2:1 Compare the strengths and limitations of assessments of a range of assessment methods with reference to the needs of individual learners. Workplace Observations, question and answer/professional discussions, projects/assignments, portfolios, witness statements. A good assessor will always take into account their learners needs and what particular subject they are studying for prior to confirming with learner type of assessment method to be used. Workplace observations
Smarter Balanced Assessment: Pro or Con? Smarter Balanced Assessment, who is it truly assessing, the teachers or the students? Smarter Balanced testing contributes to the teacher’s performance, but is it beneficial or does it have unintended consequences? Students are ultimately grading the teachers by taking these tests and they are not even aware of it. The disadvantages may outweigh the benefits for this topic, but teachers must look past the disadvantages and do what they were meant to do, teach.
Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (2015) define assessment as a measure of student achievement to determine future learning goals. ACARA (2015g) requires an assessment to be aligned with the Australian Curriculum with balanced results made on performance demonstrated from pre-determined criteria. These guidelines warrant that grades across the nation are consistent. With this in mind, students have the right to non-subjective, consistent and authentic assessment, which accurately reflects their achievement against set standards. Subjective assessment is based on the teacher’s opinion, rather than evidence (Callcott et al., 2015).
Furthermore, there are many different forms of assessment that have been supported by evidence, and found to create positive learning outcomes for children. Inquiry based assessment is an example of an evidence-based approach, and there are many benefits of this pedagogical approach. For literacy, this form of assessment provides a more realistic measure of a student’s ability as it acknowledges the complexity of and multifaceted nature of the subject (Seeley Flint, Kitson, Lowe & Shaw, 2014). Unlike high-stakes testing such as NAPLAN, inquiry based assessment allows for and values the diversity of learners, giving students cultural capital (Duchesene & McMaugh, 2016). Assessment types such as inquiry based do not conform to the neoliberal focuses of standardisation, competition, and meritocracy, so naturally, the government will most likely ignore the evidence, and continue high-stakes testing.
I incorporate this learned experience daily and learn through each success and discovered area of improvement. Addressing my students needs using a variety of assessment tools has been a beneficial practice to help guide instruction. Students have different learning styles and their strengths and weaknesses are not always apparent using the same methods of assessment. Utilizing formative, standards(goal)-based, anecdotal, observational and benchmarks has driven my instructional programs. The combination of different assessments provides me with a multi-dynamic perspective of my students allowing me to better understand their strengths, weakness and academic needs.
Introduction Children develop at different paces and one is to ensure differentiation at all levels. Assessment is an essential element of education used to inform instruction. In order for educators to implement instruction with purpose and benefits, one must assess their students to determine a student baseline performance. Students enter a classroom with diverse backgrounds and skills. Furthermore, this author will critique two scholarly articles on assessment.
Abstract The objective of this study is to assess the impact of a range of Assessment for Learning (AfL) techniques used during teaching ten lessons. Comparing the progress of pupils within these lessons, assessing the effective use of these AfL techniques within my teaching and comparing the outcomes with current academic literature. A year nine class was taught across a series of ten lessons, using three of the most commonly used AfL techniques, questioning, self/peer assessment and feedback; with a specific focus on six pupils with a range of abilities.
a) teachers can get better understanding of TTs´ achievements and abilities using multiple measures* b) they will assess not only tests but also participation and attendance c) grading will be less time consuming 3. While incorporating non-achievement factors in the grading scheme (or criteria), teachers should not _____. a) inform students about all criteria b) evaluate if all criteria are measurable c) getting familiar with institutional philosophy d) grade primarily based on effort, motivation and behavior* 4. Imagine that you gave students a test and a priori provided grade rubric to them.
In recent years, there have been great developments and discussion regarding formative assessment and its benefits and uses in the classroom. Formative assessment can be applied in many forms and the progression of learners can be assessed very quickly. The following essay is an insight into the different ways in which the progress of learners can be assessed and supported using formative assessment. Firstly, the ways in which formative assessment can be applied must be examined.
In some quarters of the school-reform debate, I’m beginning to hear talk about how districts, states, and the nation should standardize formative assessments so the process can benefit more students. Usually, these assessments give teachers a quick and not-so-scientific measure of learning by using a thumbs up or maybe having students write answers on whiteboard slates. The teacher glances around the room, tallies the feedback, and makes a quick expert judgment: Move onto the next idea, go back and do more instruction, or devote additional time to practice. For me, formative assessment has become the most effective way to know which students are learning, which are stuck and where, and which students just aren’t getting it at all.