Let's Acheive Our Goals!

Evaluating learning is much more than handing out an exam and expecting your students to answer 75 questions by the end of the class period.  We as educators have come to realize that all our students are different and that the one mold fits all approach does not work in a progressive, functional, 21^st century classroom.  Our students all come with strengths and weaknesses.  We must be able to observe and understand these to better adapt and provide for our students.  Here are five bits of information I picked up on that are crucial to fully grasp and incorportate when evaluating students.

1.      Accommodations vs. modification- These two terms have very different meanings.  Not every student will have an IEP, but they may need to be accommodated.  Accommodating a student does not mean you create a different assignment for them to complete.  It simply means you may provide a list of terms, definitions, or tangible handout for them to have.  Modification however, is altering the assignment or test.  In this case maybe the student only has two instead of four choices to choose from.  Or they will be given a time extension or not be expected to write a six page paper instead only four pages.

 

2.      Rubrics are a tool to help access student performance in an objective, reliable, and consistent manner.  Rubrics also make things 100% transparent and students can clearly see what is expected of them.

 

3.      Accountability & Reliability- Rubrics allow for teachers and students to be accountable.  What is expected of both is clearly specified.  Rubrics are also reliable.  Once you implement them into your class and use them regularly students know what is expected from you.  From an educator standpoint you show no favoritism.

 

4.      There are three types of learning criteria when evaluating students. 

·         Product criteria- addresses what students know and are able to do at a particular time

·         Process criteria- A student’s classroom behavior relating to effort, behavior, class participation, how well they follow directions and turn assignments in, and their work habits.

·         Progress criteria- how much students improve or gain from their learning experiences.

 

5.      Why do we use peer assessment in our classrooms?  It empowers students and teaches them how to manage their learning.  It enhancing student learning through the exchange of ideas with their classmates and motivates students to dig deeper into material.

 

In conclusion educators must be mindful in the way they educate their students.  Rubrics allow for transparency, student ownership, and reliability.  Accommodating and modifying assignments for students will lead to greater student success for those who need it.  Constantly accessing student knowledge through the three criterions previously mentioned will make things easier when it is time to do report cards.