- Explain in 3-5 sentences if you agree with his statements? Why or why not? I agree with his stance on testing not being synonymous with assessments. A standardized or formal test, for example, is a snapshot. It does not tell whole story, as there are many variables and other pieces of data to take into consideration, many less formal and observational.
- Choose at least two of his responses to reflect on in 3-5 sentences. Authentic tasks as assessments: This makes me think of the importance of evaluating and reflecting on a student's work, rather than just seeking a right or wrong answer. So much more information about that student's understanding and insights can be found within the process and the steps that they're taking. Assessments and tasks that mirror real life contexts, such as problem solving through an engineering design challenge, shed light on many different factors such as cooperation, active listening, iteration, etc. Students need these learning experiences and multimodal means of exploring their strengths and demonstrating their understanding and thinking. Planning assessment before instruction to me is beginning with the end in mind. Students should understand what it means to be "done" and what success can look like. One way to do this is to preview a rubric ahead of time.
- Beyond The Article: Identify one strategy you use for assessing students that you would share with a new teacher? One way I assess students is through the use of carefully constructed questions. During engineering design challenges, for example, my role shifts to much more of a facilitator, as students are collaborating within their groups and leading their learning. I pre-plan questions that will help me to understand their rationale for their design, chosen materials, etc., and ask groups as I circulate. I record their thinking. Additionally, when students are designing their prototypes, they have many options in how they will explain their design. They can use words, pictures, gestures, etc. This is also a great place to implement translanguaging techniques.