My philosophy of assessment

      My belief about student learning is study what they needed in order to apply them in our real life. To me, knowing how to use the knowledge in an efficient way is more important than understanding large amount of theories but do not know where and when to use them. Usually, students learn what the teachers and courses require them to know. They learn the knowledge which authorities believed they are useful and helpful. Some of the students only learn because they want to get a satisfied score in the exams. These are the ways of passive learning. However, there are also other ways for those students who want to know what they are really curious about. They will find a way to learn by themselves in order to fulfill their curiosity. They are learning in an active way.

      The best way to measure learning and determine if objectives have been met is let the students to show what they have learned with their perspectives. Such as what we did in this class—prepare a mini-lesson by a group of students, letting them to show what they have learned during the semester and giving everyone an opportunity to perform and trouble-shooting. Other students’ viewpoints and recommendations will help them improved. At the same time, they will know what are their insufficient when they were acting as teachers. Although this will not show all the knowledge students learned and there must be some distinction from different students, at least it allows students to explore knowledge by themselves, encouraging them to do research on their own.

      The best way to assess and grade student writing depends on their imagination and creativity. Rubric will be needed as a basic judgment. It helps both teachers and students to know what are required and desired to be seen from the teachers. But personally, I think writing according to rubric will not show the real level of student writing. Rubric which limits the thoughts of students also makes students’ work look similar. I do think writing with imagination and creativity is important for everyone. In this way, their potential will be released completely.

      With the same perspective, the assessment from the students will have a significant impact on curriculum and lesson planning. Because only from students, will teachers know how well students learned from the curriculum. If most students think the curriculum is difficult to learn, the lesson planning should be revised easier; on the opposite, the lesson planning should be designed challenging if most students think they can be easily grasp the knowledge from this curriculum.

Click here to see what other people think of assessment: Philosophy of Assessment & PHILOSOPHY OF ASSESSMENT

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