Assessing Assessments

Evaluation is a key step in quality instruction. Not only does evaluation help gauge students' understanding of content, but it also helps ensure that the teacher is delivering that content in an effective manner. Whether it be an exam or a project, evaluation is completely necessary. Why, then, do students often cringe when they hear the word "exam"? What makes this word, along with assessment, quiz or test, "bad words" in a student's mind?

Perhaps the root of students' hatred for these words stems from experiencing assessments which were poorly thought-out, badly written, or simply ineffective. Too often, teachers turn to multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and true/false exams. While utilizing these testing methods can have its benefits, only under certain conditions will they be effective.

Much like the reading by Warner & Myers hinted on this week, an exam often is not the most effective method of evaluation, although it may be easier to throw together an exam to evaluate students (and trust me, I find myself turning to the exam option far too often while writing lesson plans for class!). Instead, why don't teachers think outside the box, and move away from exams when they are able to? Why couldn't a project take the place of an exam? How about a presentation? A speech? The list of innovative assessments can go on and on.

These less traditional forms of assessments have their own benefits. Oftentimes, these non-traditional assessment methods are less stressful for students. Students can focus their time and energy completing a task, rather than memorizing content which will likely be forgotten in a matter of days. Furthermore, assessment methods, such as a project or presentation, can be easily guided by a rubric, ensuring less stress for the student. Teachers also benefit from rubrics. By utilizing working rubrics, teachers are able to set expectations for assessments before the students hand in their assessments to be graded. Furthermore, rubrics help the teacher remain objective and fair while grading assessments.

Ultimately, I believe that utilizing a variety of assessment methods, including traditional (exams) and non-traditional, is important. Caution should be taken, though, to ensure that the assessment method fits the content. If teachers are able to utilize more varied and appropriate assessment techniques, I believe that we will be able to combat the negative connotation of the words “exam, test, assessment and quiz” once and for all!