1. Consider what you have observed in your classrooms and schools within the context of the readings/videos. While maintaining professionalism (and privacy), how have this week’s readings/modules clarified or reinforced questions or understandings regarding the topics addressed this week? We will apply some of the concepts to small case study.
When considering this week’s readings and videos, I have reflected on the bigger picture of assessment and achievement in the classroom. I consider myself lucky since I have been able to work in kindergarten classes as well as grade level, so I have seen different types of assessment in action. In kindergarten, I saw play-based learning, with an emphasis on discussion and anecdotal observation as a form of assessment. It was less formal than test taking and students were able to show their learning through their actions and interactions. I have also seen assessment as, for and of learning within the grade school level. Teachers performed diagnostics to get a better understanding of student learning before teaching a topic. Teachers also provided chances to show learning within the process as they created small projects and answer questions. I also have seen the effects of EQAO in a grade 6 classroom. This was a reflective time for me and I learned a lot about the purpose and preparation for this test. My learning in practicum has reinforced my ideas surrounding Growing Success and that we need to be looking at all kinds of assessment in order to help students grow and give fair assessments. I believe that anecdotal observations should be used with all age levels and that assessment is not just about taking tests. One question I still have about assessment in the classroom is how can I tell the difference between assessment for, as and of because sometimes they can overlap.
2. How might you incorporate concepts from the readings/modules into your LRP?
Assessment for, as and of learning are important things to consider when making a long – range plan. You need to be able to know what you are going to use to see where your students are at and where you want them to be or present by the end. Considering the various ways in which you can assess these areas will be key when planning the LRP. I think that it is also important to consider differentiation when creating the assessment activities. Offering student’s choice in how they present their learning falls in line with Growing Success and giving student’s opportunities to share their strengths. I want to make it a priority to mention differentiation in assessment tasks when writing my LRP.
