Alternative Assessment Techniques
I chose to research alternative techniques to assess my students because I myself am tired with the computer tests and paper worksheets that make up every assessment I must administer to my students. I am sure if I, their teacher, am tired, they must be sick of them! I want to make my classroom an environment that facilitates enjoyable and meaningful instruction and assessment and I believe these techniques will help me to do so. The links following my descriptions provide more information.
Student Portfolios Portfolios are an excellent way to track student's progress throughout the year. I will be able to use these to formatively assess my students to ensure I am differentiating my instruction effectively.
Students can also use these as motivation, by physically being able to observe their notable progress in achievement over time they will gain a sense of pride for their education. I want my students to take ownership of their learning and I believe this can be powerful. These will also be useful for parent-teacher conferences! Parents love to see the work their children do all day when they are away from home. Also, in the case that a student needs further accommodations to achieve these portfolios will assist greatly in PPT meetings. |
Debates Student debates are an excellent way to facilitate student excitement around a topic of instruction. I would use this technique as an end-of-unit summative assessment.
I would give students multiple class periods to prepare for their debate with a pair or in a group. Each student will be assigned a specific job according to their learning style and needs. The students will be given the rubric I will be using to assess them ahead of time so they can plan accordingly. On the day of the debate I will set my classroom up similar to the photo above. We will hold 10 minute long, formal debates and their classmates will use a rubric to decide a winner. For instance, the winner, if this were to be done for ELA, could be the group to use the most text evidence to support their stance. |