This website highlights the shift from traditional, fact-based assessments to more authentic methods that measure deeper learning, application, and critical thinking. It emphasizes the "why" behind this shift, connecting it to college and career readiness.
Assessments have become a critical piece to education reform. To prepare students well for college and career means they must deeply learn the material and its application to their lives and future learning. That means assessing student knowledge authentically and accountably.
Type of Material:
Collection
Recommended Uses:
The site offers the six characteristics of good assessment as a framework for teachers to evaluate their current assessment practices and design new ones. These characteristics serve as guiding principles for pre-and in-service teachers:
As a professional development resource for educators to learn about and implement authentic assessment techniques
As a reference guide for selecting and adapting assessment tools for diverse classroom settings
To supplement curriculum planning with assessment strategies that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes
For collaborative teacher training sessions or workshops on assessment best practices
As inspiration for educators designing project-based learning, portfolios, performance tasks, or other alternative assessments
Technical Requirements:
Basic computer literacy
Ability to navigate hyperlinks and images
Understanding how to download and open different file formats (usually PDF)
Basic skills in using digital tools like highlighting, bookmarking, and searching within texts
Access to a reliable internet connection and appropriate device
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The primary goal of the site is to support educators in implementing authentic assessments that accurately measure student understanding, skills, and real-world application of knowledge. The site aims to provide tools, strategies, and resources that help teachers design, administer, and evaluate assessments beyond traditional tests.
Specificlly:
To provide an overview of authentic assessment
To offer practical, tech-integrated assessment ideas for teachers
To emphasis deeper learning and the inclusion of specific tool examples
Target Student Population:
College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Teachers need to understand why we assess students. hey should grasp the shift from assessment of learning to assessment for learning:
Basic understanding of educational assessment concepts
Familiarity with curriculum standards and learning objectives
General teaching experience or training in instructional design is helpful but not mandatory
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Its strengths likely include clear, practical guidance on authentic assessment tools, relevant examples, and actionable strategies that teachers can easily apply. The content is probably well-organized and focused on empowering educators with real-world assessment ideas.
The core concept of authentic assessment is valid and well-established in education. The emphasis on deep learning, application, and student engagement aligns with current best practices.
The activities are grounded in generally accepted teaching principles: active learning, contextual learning, varied modalities (drawing, acting, discussion), and social interaction. These are all valid approaches for language learning.
The resource offers a decent range of activity types, which is a strength. It covers drawing, kinesthetic learning, discussion, matching, reading, and online games.
The resource offers a good range of assessment types (formative and summative) and covers a variety of technology tools. It addresses different learning styles and encourages creative expression.
The suggested strategies encourage active learning, application of knowledge, and development of higher-order thinking skills, all of which contribute to deeper understanding.
Concerns:
One potential concern might be the need for more in-depth research citations or evidence-based backing to enhance credibility, and occasional updates to keep pace with evolving educational standards. Also the site lacks suggestions for adapting the activities for students with diverse learning needs (ELLs, learning differences, etc.).
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Its practical focus on authentic assessment tools makes it highly relevant for educators seeking to improve student engagement and meaningful evaluation. The variety of tools and clear explanations likely support diverse classroom needs effectively.
Each assessment idea is then presented with its type (formative/summative), suggested tools, estimated time, and purpose, making the goals and uses easy to grasp.
The activities can be adapted for different subjects, grade levels, and learning objectives. The inclusion of both quick checks and more in-depth projects allows for flexibility in meeting diverse needs and goals.
It promotes valuable assessment practices, offers practical examples, and encourages the use of technology to enhance learning.
Concerns:
Impact could be limited if users require more interactive features, such as downloadable templates or personalized guidance, to fully implement the strategies.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The layout is straightforward, with clear navigation and well-organized content that helps users quickly find relevant assessment tools. The language is likely accessible, making it easy for educators at different experience levels to understand.
Clear and consistent layout.
Instructions are generally clear and easy to understand.
Images and video presentations are beneficial for implementing the strategies and the practical examples of assessment tasks or activities embody the principles of authentic assessment.
Concerns:
A concern might be if the site lacks advanced search filters or interactive elements that could further streamline finding specific resources.
Creative Commons:
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