Students dreaded assessments. Quizzes, term papers and examinations are not something students are looking forward to at any levels, whether it be in elementary or in college. These are activities that take away the fun in school. I am guilty of this but now, I know better. I am now an informed student. Instead of “fighting” assessment, I should be thankful. Though I am previously ignorant of its deeper purpose I have within my reach the opportunity to use its power for the students of today and tomorrow.
The Center for Standards, Assessment Implementation (CSAI) defined assessment as processes and tools that measure what students know and can do. This definition included everything, from the questions teachers asked to students during class discussion to statewide standardized tests. Aside from giving diagnostic feedback, evaluating student’s progress and helping set standards, the most important function of assessment is how it motivates the performance of both students and teachers.
Numerous evidence shows how assessment drives student learning. It is a tool that can be used to guide the students on what educators consider as important. Looking back, I now fully appreciate my College Algebra exams. I would memorize different equations for our exams however, my professor who is also considered a “terror” professor in the institute would give word problems. As I would focus on memorization, I would end up just getting the passing grade. My Math professor is not just being a “terror” but she wanted us to connect the algebraic expression to real life application. It is not only important to know the equations but also to understand how it is used to solve real life problems.
Now that I know better, in my journey as an educator, I want to absolutely utilize the value of assessment. In particular, how assessment can motivate the performance of students and educators alike by self evaluations. Self evaluation in students can be accomplished by empowering them to be in charge of their own learning. As a result, students would know how they are doing and what else is needed for them to learn.
Educators’ self evaluation can be performed by utilizing previous assessment information, to understand what is working for the students, identify the gaps to help improve learning and which direction to go next. Self evaluation of educators can be done in a simple way. Right after quizzes, teachers and students can run through the answers and observe the students’ reactions. By observing the teachers will have an idea which part they have difficulty and which part(s) is clear. The teacher can then probe a little why a certain topic was clear and why that others was difficult. Self evaluation does not have to be elaborate like filling up feedback forms or surveys. The important aspect is to understand what works best for the students to better achieve the learning outcomes.
Always remember if assessments are done right will deliver tremendous benefits for educators and students. The key is if Done Right!
Charry's Teaching Odyssey 