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Assessment - How Do I Know?

One of the most debated topics in education has to be assessment. Whether asking questions about what type is appropriate, how to properly assess, or the difference between formative and summative assessments, teachers need clear information about what assessment means. In my experience, assessment has to do with the process of collecting information and evidence to support a student’s progress (Sewagegn, 2020). Without this evidence, students have no idea about where they stand in terms of the lesson objectives, which themselves need to be clear enough to motivate and inform students about the content and skills required to excel in the classroom (Kelly, 2020). 

When determining lesson objectives, it is important to make sure that two things are adequately outlined: the desired outcome for students at the end of the lesson, and exactly how that outcome will be assessed (Kelly, 2020). These objectives should also be clearly explained to the students prior to the instruction so that students are aware of the expectations (Sewagegn, 2020). Objectives should be taken from the standards or criteria used in the school, and should be scaffolded upon previous lessons. One way that I outline lesson objectives and link them to assessment is through a SWBAT (Students Will Be Able To) section on the board and on slides for the lesson each day. This gives students the ability to refer back to what they are covering that day, and takes the pressure off of them having to remember one more thing in their day. I also use a mastery rubric for the assessment activity, which is also located on the board and explicitly allows students to self-assess their work before turning in a final product. 

Assessment does not need to strike fear into the hearts of students; rather, it should be a transparent and collaborative process, with instructors and students both contributing and working together for the ultimate goal of content and skill mastery. 


References

Kelly, M. (2020, May 31). Creating effective lesson objectives. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/lesson-objectives-that-produce-results-7763

Sewagegn, A. (2020). Learning objective and assessment linkage: Its contribution to meaningful student learning. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(11), 5044-5052. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.081104


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