The statements below are important issues in classroom assessment. Please discuss with your classmates your reflections on the statements below.
- Teachers should assess continuously. - Classroom testing is frequently weak in both validity and reliability. - A fair assessment is one that is individualized to address a student's learning styles and cognitive level.
I have just completed my 40 hours of observation. With that said, I feel enlightened on many aspects of the classroom. I do believe teachers should continuously assess. The reason is that if they don't then the students will recognize that and nine times out of ten they will take the path of least resistance. We can't make it that easy for them. Discipline is a hard thing by itself, but with no one watching over you it is even more difficult. We need to give these kids the tools they need to conquer the subject we are teaching.
I don't necessarily think the only way to measure success of a class is by testing. I mentioned in an earlier blog that I am not good at tests no matter how hard I study. However, if projects and assignments are given to me I will learn the core parts of the subject. My brother is the opposite of me, he can ace tests all of the time, but won't do the projects or assignments. Guess who learned more out of those classes. It would be me most of the time.
I do beleive that there are times when the learning styles of students are so different that there needs to be a different approach. This approach would need to be different not only with presentation of information, but also with requirements for the course and how the student might be evaluated. You simply can't put everyone in one bucket and expect the same results from all.
I know all of this sounds good right now. I hope I can keep this proactive approach in reality when I actually have my own class. I am sure it is easier said than done and is something that separates good teachers from mediocracy.
I believe that teachers should continually be assessing their students and the success of the students. This will illustrate to the teacher that the teaching methods should be adapted to help reach the students better. Also, it can help to see that the students need help and or are getting the subject. It will help determine time spent on a subject.
I feel that the importance of testing is over exaggerated. Teachers make up tests because they have to be "part of the curriculum". Some of the tests are so easy, what is the point? Students learn better when what they are learning in class is applied to a project or lab exercise. A teacher can look at a test score and determine how the student is "understanding" the material, but do they really understand it or can they take tests better.
No two students learn the same way. I feel it is important to look at each student's learning styles and cognitive level. It is our job as a teacher to teach students to the best of our ability. Also, each student needs to be allowed to learn to the best of their ability. We as teachers should adapt to the students needs.
I agree that we should not make the classroom experience easy for the students. We should challenge the students, but assessing the class on a regular basis will help teachers to do so. I also agree that we should not place all students into a common learning/cognitive group. Individual aspects of each student should be addressed, so that student is able to learn to the best of their ability.
I also agree that projects need to be incorporated into the class. I learn better when I can see what is going on, but I also have the ability to remember information fro reviewing notes. I understand that everyone learns differently, and I should not teach the way I learn, but how each student learns.
I believe that teachers should do continuous assessments in their classroom daily. This daily assessment does not have to be a formal written "test" but it is not difficult, especially in physical education, to do daily assessments. When daily assessments are done it allows teachers to analyze learning and areas that their students are struggling in.
I do not believe that classroom is testing is weak in validity, depending on how the test is written by the teacher. A test should be written in order to assess what is intended to be assessed. Reliability is different, it is hard to assess reliability because if a student takes the same test twice, even without studying between, they are more than likely to do better on the test the second time. Other influences that can affect the reliability of a written classroom test is the students physical condition (hungry, tired, having a "bad day", etc.).
I agree that a fair assessment is one that is individualized for each student, however this is unrealistic in the traditional classroom setting. It would be impossible for a teacher to make a different test individualized for each student when they have between 20 and 30 students in their classroom. This would force the teacher to worry more about making tests than teaching the material. However, individualized education plans (IEPs) is the ideal way to teach each student to make sure the environment and information are the best for that students learning.
I agree with your point on continual assessment. However, I am not sure I completely agree with your point on testing is over exaggerated. If students are not evaluated than how can a teacher be sure they are retaining the information that is presented to them. Also, if there is not an examination that the students are going to have to regurgitate the information for, why would they want to learn information that is difficult for them to understand or that they do not feel is pertinent for them.
I definitely agree that each student learns differently, and that our job as teachers is to make sure the students are learning the information. This may mean we need to change our teaching styles to help a student. However, I do not see how it is feasible to expect a teacher to make an individualized test for every student in every one of their classes across the board. This would take too much time away from their focus on teaching and transition that just to writing examinations.
Assessing continuously is important in the classroom because this is how you, check for understanding which is one of the most important steps in the methods of teaching. Assessing can be done in multiple ways as well, formative evaluation or summative evaluation. If this is not done continuously, then you do not know if the students are having a hard time understanding. If you constantly assess then you know at what point the students need help on.
Testing is a tough subject because some students can succeed at test taking while others have struggles with tests. Classroom testing is frequently weak in both validity and reliability. I believe this depends on the teacher, if the teacher chooses to have test just because they have to then this is correct because there is not point or reason for them. However, if a teacher applies the knowledge to the students properly then when its testing time to see if there was understanding, then I believe test are not weak in validity and reliability. Test show if the student understood the lesson or lessons you taught to them. I may hate test as much as anybody else, but when you properly apply the knowledge the students will know the answers making the testing process very rewarding, and very valid.
I agree that a fair assessment is one that is individualized to address student’s learning styles and cognitive levels. However, this can become very difficult. This can be done through evaluating the students, but difficult in the testing process. This is way IEP’s are developed to help those who need and little more individualized assessment. This can be done in the regular classroom through projects or even essay type questions; this allows the student to develop a ‘product’ in their own individualized way.
Re: Mallory K., I agree that teachers need to continually need to be assessing. This is the teacher’s time to find out who was able to apply the knowledge taught and who is struggling. By always assessing you are better preparing the students for their future. I agree that learning is a lot easier when applied to a project or lab. However, I am also a test fan. I do not think that tests should be stressed as much as they are, but it is a way to see how far each student is learning and how fast. Testing is important because you know the student answered the questions based on knowledge they have acquired, not by copying what’s in the book. Projects are important because they allow students to apply what they have learned to get a better understanding. A test is so you know that they understand and acquired they knowledge you needed to teach them. If they struggled give them another chance.
During my time observing Plainville’s music program, I have learned a great deal of what works and what does not. There are many different aspects of teaching that you can only learn through watching and doing. I have had a lot of insight when observing and interacting with the students at Plainville, and I feel more prepared to go into the sometimes scary world of teaching now that I have witnessed firsthand how a high school band program can be run. For music I think it is very important to always be assessing. That is what you do as a music teacher. You rehearse and give guided instruction to how they are doing. The entire time you are rehearsing a piece, you are also accessing their playing ability, technique and overall effectiveness of the piece. You never stop giving friendly reminders of what they need to be doing. This will also go hand in hand with giving them positive feedback, whenever they are doing things correctly. Classroom testing rarely goes on in the music room, but when it does, I think it is done right and is necessary. There are some aspects in music that can only be answered through testing. It is important to make sure the students have a basic knowledge of how music works and how to communicate through music. You must make sure not to over look this aspect and hold students accountable for this information. It is best to try and present it in an appealing way, but regardless of how you present it. It is definitely an important part of the music curriculum. When giving tests in the classroom, I think it is important to look at every students learning style. Some student do not do well on tests, others learn and analyze information in different ways. If you have a wide range of testing, you can then maximize your testing and get the best results from your students. All in all, keep in mind that the way you learn is not always the way someone else does. Many people teach the way they were taught. This is not always the best way to teach. Try to create a wide range of learning styles and maximize your results in the classroom.
Re: Mallory K, I think that assessing is an obvious thing that teachers need to be continually doing. It is a large part of our job in the classroom. We must assess our students and figure out if they are doing what is expected of them or not. As a music major this must be weighed on a level to the school they are in. You cannot expect a 2A high school to perform nearly as well as a 6A school. The numbers are not even close to being the same. So I think you must keep in mind the ability and size of your school district when it comes to things like music and sports. Projects are a great way to learn, but I think we need some way to make sure everyone is learning up to the standard level. Tests are a great way to understand this. However, there are ways around this and I think as long as you are making sure your students are progressing the way the should, then your job as a teacher is being fulfilled.
The statements below are important issues in classroom assessment. Please discuss with your classmates your reflections on the statements below.
ReplyDelete- Teachers should assess continuously.
- Classroom testing is frequently weak in both validity and reliability.
- A fair assessment is one that is individualized to address a student's learning styles and cognitive level.
This blog is due November 19.
I have just completed my 40 hours of observation. With that said, I feel enlightened on many aspects of the classroom. I do believe teachers should continuously assess. The reason is that if they don't then the students will recognize that and nine times out of ten they will take the path of least resistance. We can't make it that easy for them. Discipline is a hard thing by itself, but with no one watching over you it is even more difficult. We need to give these kids the tools they need to conquer the subject we are teaching.
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily think the only way to measure success of a class is by testing. I mentioned in an earlier blog that I am not good at tests no matter how hard I study. However, if projects and assignments are given to me I will learn the core parts of the subject. My brother is the opposite of me, he can ace tests all of the time, but won't do the projects or assignments. Guess who learned more out of those classes. It would be me most of the time.
I do beleive that there are times when the learning styles of students are so different that there needs to be a different approach. This approach would need to be different not only with presentation of information, but also with requirements for the course and how the student might be evaluated. You simply can't put everyone in one bucket and expect the same results from all.
I know all of this sounds good right now. I hope I can keep this proactive approach in reality when I actually have my own class. I am sure it is easier said than done and is something that separates good teachers from mediocracy.
I believe that teachers should continually be assessing their students and the success of the students. This will illustrate to the teacher that the teaching methods should be adapted to help reach the students better. Also, it can help to see that the students need help and or are getting the subject. It will help determine time spent on a subject.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the importance of testing is over exaggerated. Teachers make up tests because they have to be "part of the curriculum". Some of the tests are so easy, what is the point? Students learn better when what they are learning in class is applied to a project or lab exercise. A teacher can look at a test score and determine how the student is "understanding" the material, but do they really understand it or can they take tests better.
No two students learn the same way. I feel it is important to look at each student's learning styles and cognitive level. It is our job as a teacher to teach students to the best of our ability. Also, each student needs to be allowed to learn to the best of their ability. We as teachers should adapt to the students needs.
RE rhonda mulvaney:
ReplyDeleteI agree that we should not make the classroom experience easy for the students. We should challenge the students, but assessing the class on a regular basis will help teachers to do so. I also agree that we should not place all students into a common learning/cognitive group. Individual aspects of each student should be addressed, so that student is able to learn to the best of their ability.
I also agree that projects need to be incorporated into the class. I learn better when I can see what is going on, but I also have the ability to remember information fro reviewing notes. I understand that everyone learns differently, and I should not teach the way I learn, but how each student learns.
I believe that teachers should do continuous assessments in their classroom daily. This daily assessment does not have to be a formal written "test" but it is not difficult, especially in physical education, to do daily assessments. When daily assessments are done it allows teachers to analyze learning and areas that their students are struggling in.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that classroom is testing is weak in validity, depending on how the test is written by the teacher. A test should be written in order to assess what is intended to be assessed. Reliability is different, it is hard to assess reliability because if a student takes the same test twice, even without studying between, they are more than likely to do better on the test the second time. Other influences that can affect the reliability of a written classroom test is the students physical condition (hungry, tired, having a "bad day", etc.).
I agree that a fair assessment is one that is individualized for each student, however this is unrealistic in the traditional classroom setting. It would be impossible for a teacher to make a different test individualized for each student when they have between 20 and 30 students in their classroom. This would force the teacher to worry more about making tests than teaching the material. However, individualized education plans (IEPs) is the ideal way to teach each student to make sure the environment and information are the best for that students learning.
Re: Mallory K
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point on continual assessment. However, I am not sure I completely agree with your point on testing is over exaggerated. If students are not evaluated than how can a teacher be sure they are retaining the information that is presented to them. Also, if there is not an examination that the students are going to have to regurgitate the information for, why would they want to learn information that is difficult for them to understand or that they do not feel is pertinent for them.
I definitely agree that each student learns differently, and that our job as teachers is to make sure the students are learning the information. This may mean we need to change our teaching styles to help a student. However, I do not see how it is feasible to expect a teacher to make an individualized test for every student in every one of their classes across the board. This would take too much time away from their focus on teaching and transition that just to writing examinations.
Assessing continuously is important in the classroom because this is how you, check for understanding which is one of the most important steps in the methods of teaching. Assessing can be done in multiple ways as well, formative evaluation or summative evaluation. If this is not done continuously, then you do not know if the students are having a hard time understanding. If you constantly assess then you know at what point the students need help on.
ReplyDeleteTesting is a tough subject because some students can succeed at test taking while others have struggles with tests. Classroom testing is frequently weak in both validity and reliability. I believe this depends on the teacher, if the teacher chooses to have test just because they have to then this is correct because there is not point or reason for them. However, if a teacher applies the knowledge to the students properly then when its testing time to see if there was understanding, then I believe test are not weak in validity and reliability. Test show if the student understood the lesson or lessons you taught to them. I may hate test as much as anybody else, but when you properly apply the knowledge the students will know the answers making the testing process very rewarding, and very valid.
I agree that a fair assessment is one that is individualized to address student’s learning styles and cognitive levels. However, this can become very difficult. This can be done through evaluating the students, but difficult in the testing process. This is way IEP’s are developed to help those who need and little more individualized assessment. This can be done in the regular classroom through projects or even essay type questions; this allows the student to develop a ‘product’ in their own individualized way.
Re: Mallory K.,
ReplyDeleteI agree that teachers need to continually need to be assessing. This is the teacher’s time to find out who was able to apply the knowledge taught and who is struggling. By always assessing you are better preparing the students for their future.
I agree that learning is a lot easier when applied to a project or lab. However, I am also a test fan. I do not think that tests should be stressed as much as they are, but it is a way to see how far each student is learning and how fast. Testing is important because you know the student answered the questions based on knowledge they have acquired, not by copying what’s in the book. Projects are important because they allow students to apply what they have learned to get a better understanding. A test is so you know that they understand and acquired they knowledge you needed to teach them. If they struggled give them another chance.
During my time observing Plainville’s music program, I have learned a great deal of what works and what does not. There are many different aspects of teaching that you can only learn through watching and doing. I have had a lot of insight when observing and interacting with the students at Plainville, and I feel more prepared to go into the sometimes scary world of teaching now that I have witnessed firsthand how a high school band program can be run.
ReplyDeleteFor music I think it is very important to always be assessing. That is what you do as a music teacher. You rehearse and give guided instruction to how they are doing. The entire time you are rehearsing a piece, you are also accessing their playing ability, technique and overall effectiveness of the piece. You never stop giving friendly reminders of what they need to be doing. This will also go hand in hand with giving them positive feedback, whenever they are doing things correctly.
Classroom testing rarely goes on in the music room, but when it does, I think it is done right and is necessary. There are some aspects in music that can only be answered through testing. It is important to make sure the students have a basic knowledge of how music works and how to communicate through music. You must make sure not to over look this aspect and hold students accountable for this information. It is best to try and present it in an appealing way, but regardless of how you present it. It is definitely an important part of the music curriculum.
When giving tests in the classroom, I think it is important to look at every students learning style. Some student do not do well on tests, others learn and analyze information in different ways. If you have a wide range of testing, you can then maximize your testing and get the best results from your students.
All in all, keep in mind that the way you learn is not always the way someone else does. Many people teach the way they were taught. This is not always the best way to teach. Try to create a wide range of learning styles and maximize your results in the classroom.
Re: Mallory K,
ReplyDeleteI think that assessing is an obvious thing that teachers need to be continually doing. It is a large part of our job in the classroom. We must assess our students and figure out if they are doing what is expected of them or not. As a music major this must be weighed on a level to the school they are in. You cannot expect a 2A high school to perform nearly as well as a 6A school. The numbers are not even close to being the same. So I think you must keep in mind the ability and size of your school district when it comes to things like music and sports.
Projects are a great way to learn, but I think we need some way to make sure everyone is learning up to the standard level. Tests are a great way to understand this. However, there are ways around this and I think as long as you are making sure your students are progressing the way the should, then your job as a teacher is being fulfilled.