How can I change the World?

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

As an aspiring educator, this quote inspires me to not only continue but rather to thrive in my teaching-learning journey. The responsibility of helping each learner to be equipped to change the world is worth all the challenges. 

I started this journey relatively later than normal. I almost forgot this dream but circumstances opened an opportunity for me to take the first step. This semester was particularly hard but I am happy I pushed back harder and “don a happy heart” as Dr. Lou always reminded us. This course, EDS 113 Principles and Methods of Assessment completely changed my perspective about assessments. Like most students, I perceived examinations, projects, tests, quizzes and group reports as something to be dreaded yet necessary for educators to check if I learn anything. 

Assessment is more than checking, it is more than knowing how many concepts the students memorized and managed to recall on the examination day.  The purposes of assessment for learning, of learning and as learning best illustrates how closely assessment is intertwined with learning. Educators have different types of assessments, assessment frameworks and tools that are accessible to use depending on the purpose.  

Traditional assessments are convenient to utilize but our learners deserve more than convenience from us. Again, educators have the responsibility to arm them with powerful not convenient tools. This can only be achieved if we use more non traditional assessments, more authentic, more performance based, more constructivist inspired assessment that will challenge our learners thinking to analyze, evaluate, examine and apply their learning. 

I personally experience in this course the impact of non traditional assessments in helping me learn deep. Yes, this term is one of the hardest learning semesters I had but I can proudly say that it is also where I learn the most. And for that I have to say a heartfelt “Thank You” to my Faculty in Charge.

Dr. Lou, thank you for taking the time to challenge my learning with skillfully constructed assessments. I appreciated it very much.  

To my future learners, know that I will always have your education in mind when I am drafting your assessments. Know that I will do my very best to challenge your learning, widen your view and provide opportunities to apply your learning.