Assessment+Philosophy

As a teacher, assessment is a large and very important component of establishing an effective learning environment for students. Without assessment, a teacher would not be aware of what and if the students were learning from the lessons being taught. The following are some of the crucial components of my philosophy of assessment:


 * One of the most important things that I have learned about assessment is that **“assessment drives instruction”.** Assessment is a very important component of a teacher’s career because neither instruction nor assessment can be effective without the influence of the other. When teaching a lesson it is important to assess during and afterwards to ensure that the students have comprehended the information. Only when the students have proved that they understand is it appropriate to move on to the next lesson. By doing this, teachers are ensuring that their students are not getting left behind and, hence, are not feeling lost as the lessons continue.


 * Assessment is meant to give students an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of material. Some students, however well they may know the material, are not comfortable with taking a test and, therefore, will not be able to properly and effectively demonstrate their knowledge. Hence, I feel it is important to offer a wide assortment of assessment strategies to ensure that every student is able to demonstrate their knowledge. Assessment should not always consist of tests and essays (the tradition forms of assessment), but rather, should incorporate more non-traditional aspects such as dramatic presentations, paintings, group and individual projects, etc. It is important also, to allow students choice when assessing. This way, each student will be able to choose a manner in which they feel most comfortable to present their knowledge of the material. This not only benefits the students, but the teacher also gets a more accurate view of the student’s understanding.


 * Schools are now moving into the realm of 21st Century learning. My belief is that if students are better able to learn through technology, then we should also be assessing them using technology. If students are more capable of expressing themselves through the use of technology, then both parties benefit in that students can express themselves more clearly and effectively, while teachers are able to grasp exactly what the students do and do not understand.


 * When we think of assessment, our minds most likely automatically think of summative assessment. Summative assessment can cause a lot of stress and anxiety among the students. Instead, teachers should use formative assessment throughout their lessons. By utilizing this form of assessment, students are usually unaware that they are even being assessed and, hence, are eliminated of the stress and anxiety they may have otherwise felt. Without these emotional barriers students will be able to better express their understanding.


 * Finally, I feel that it is important to ensure the form of assessment you are using for the students is congruent with what has been taught in the lesson. If what I am assessing them on is not congruent with what I have taught, then I will not get a true representation of their knowledge on that particular topic.