Methods of Assessment

Assessment is the process of gathering data. 

Evaluation of the following assessment methods:

• Authentic Assessment requires the application of what students have learned. "Performance assessments call upon the examinee to demonstrate specific skills and competencies, that is, to apply the skills and knowledge they have mastered" (Stiggens, 1987, p. 34). 

An example of how I might include this assessment method in my online mini-course is for students to interview a person that lived during the Jim Crow era and get their opinions, and or experiences about discrimination during that time.

• Formative Assessment provides feedback and information during instruction, while learning is taking place. Formative assessment measures student progress but it can also assess my own progress as an instructor. A primary focus of a formative assessment is to identify areas that may need improvement so they can be readdressed for clarity.

An example or scenario of how I might include this assessment method in my online mini-course is to develop a concept map of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. I intend to use concept mapping as a formative assessment technique to enhance learning effectiveness. Students could enjoy sharing their concept maps with their class colleagues in small groups and publicize them in a blog they create.

• Summative Assessment takes place after the learning has been completed. Typically, no more formal learning is taking place at this stage other than learning which might take place through completing projects and assignments. This type of assessment is about a pupil’s overall performance at a specific point in their learning. It provides information about students progress in subject knowledge, understanding, as well as skills and capabilities.

An example of how I might include this assessment method in my online mini-course is a term paper, the drafts submitted throughout the semester could be used a formative assessment also.

• Self Assessment  "is a process of formative assessment during which students reflect on and evaluate the quality of their work and their learning, judge the degree to which they reflect explicitly stated goals or criteria, identify strengths and in their work, and revise accordingly" (Andrade, & Du, 2007, p.160).

A scenario of how I might include this assessment method in my online mini-course is to ask students to create an Instagram story of today’s lesson. What are the highlights of the lesson? What are the three main points of the lesson? Etc. Asking the students to post it to an Instagram teacher account.

Peer Assessment is a structured learning process for students to critique and provide feedback to each other on their work and equips them with skills to self-assess and improve their own work. When used in grading, peer assessment can give the instructor needed information on student performance, especially for large online classes.

A scenario of how I might include this assessment method in my online mini-course is to have students individually assess each other's contribution using a predetermined list of criteria. Grading is based on a predetermined process, which is an average of the marks awarded by members of the group. Questions to consider when grading could be:

"I like the way you...” “Show me where...” “I think you could...” “I think you could add...”

“I think you could change...” “I think you could use...” “I think you could improve...”

One assessment method from the list that was outside of my area of familiarity was the Authentic Assessment. I find it unique because it can integrate teaching, learning, and assessment and it provides multiple paths to a demonstration.

References

Andrade, H. & Du, Y. (2007). Student responses to criteria-referenced self-Assessment. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 32 (2), 159- 181.

Stiggins, R. J. (1987). The design and development of performance assessments. Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, 6, 33-42.