If the greater value is given the score, then value the score. If the greater value is intrinsic, then value the child.
Bob Stanish – The Giving Book
I believe if we as teachers understand our curriculum and truly use outcomes to drive our teaching we will use assessment to improve student learning.
Formative assessment breaks down the outcomes in order for the child to scaffold his or her learning. The assessment tells the child and the teacher whether the child needs to go forward or take a step back and revisit the learning outcome.
If we are able to communicate this with the learner and their parents we will improve learning.
Thomas Guskey – One of the greatest challenges that we face is describing students levels of academic performance in meaningful ways to parents and others.
"Can we make a difference in student learning by using formative assessment?"
ReplyDeleteYes.
However, I do wonder about all of the "how's" that go with this question.
Like you mentioned, we need to know and understand our outcomes. However, I do believe that first and foremost is that we need to know our students. Once we know them and our curriculum, we can differentiate and ensure that learning is a hopeful activity.
I have currently been thinking about student portfolios and how the portfolio demonstrates that education is a hopeful activity for each child.
I wonder:
What evidence demonstrates assessment for learning, showing and celebrating what the child knows?
What evidence demonstrates assessment of learning, showing and celebrating what the child knows?
I also agree that we can make a difference through formative assessment. We have had many conversations and discussions around portfolios in the past few days. I like the idea Danielle is presenting that the portfolio demonstrates that education is a hopeful activity for each child with evidence of assessment for and of learning. To add to this, I wonder how student choice could play a part in developing a portfolio where the student is celebrating and selecting work to show what they know?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Webkinz. If we truly believe in student centered learning and differentiating instruction, then it seems to make sense that students have choices. The challenging part is putting it into practice. I am excited to see how it unfolds this year :)
ReplyDelete