Assessing and Evaluating Students' Learning

This was an incredibly helpful article to read; especially as I am getting into writing up my TPA lesson plans. Since I haven’t taken any education specific classes, learning more about assessment as a whole, assessment strategies, and assessment tools has definitely given me more context as to what I can do with my students in the classroom to make sure they are learning and growing in their skills as readers and writers.

One idea that I would love to try in a classroom is evaluating journal/blog responses and pairing that with peer and teacher response in order to get dialogue and thought flowing. If a student posted a blog, than yourself and at least 2 other students would need to comment on it. That way you and other students are “providing your own insights about a text in your responding to students’ interpretations” (230).

Another assessment I would like to implement is using a rubric and criteria to outline the prompt of a paper. This way, students know what is expected of them and exactly what they will be graded on well in advance. Learners should have every tool possible and accessible to aid them in their success. If our goal as teachers is to prepare our students for college, than we should not tease them with success. By that, I mean that we should not expect them to know what makes a paper good, how to analyze papers, and be able to take a test without having covered the aspects. We need to guide them to a place where they can achieve, reach goals, understand objectives, and learn how to be successful.

I also really loved the portfolio. I think kids get really excited when they are able to lay out their work over the year and see how they have grown. A portfolio is a great opportunity for students to evaluate their own growth, so they can see how the hard work has paid off and all they have accomplished. I definitely think this is worth trying!

I think it is so important that we really take the time to build relationships and feel out our classes. Every class is going to be different, because every student is different. Some classes may have more energy and engage in discussion well, while others may take more coaxing. If we understand what our classes need to be at their best, to reach their learning objectives, than we can determine how to best assess them. When we know our students and our classes, than we can determine student learning. The author writes, “assessment must recognize and reflect the intellectually and socially complex nature of reading and writing and the important roles of school, home, and society in literacy development” (238-39). That doesn’t necessarily mean passing out a test. Instead, we need to actively be seeking ways our students learn, and apply that to how we assess learning. I think by doing that, we will see more positive outcomes.