Revolutionizing Student Assessment with Creativity and Authenticityš§āš
As teachers, we all know the feeling of having piles of papers on our desks, waiting to be graded. It can be overwhelming and time-consuming, taking valuable time away from other important tasks. But what if I told you there’s a way to make the assessment process not only more manageable but also empowering for your students? By encouraging autonomy, we can revolutionize the way our students learn and find joy in the process.Ā
Imagine a classroom where students take charge of their own learning, where they actively participate in the assessment process, and where they have a say in their achievements. This approach not only lightens our load as teachers but also fosters a deeper understanding and motivation for our students.
So in this blogpost, Iāll give you some ideas to make this a reality. Through these engaging assessment tools, youāll be able to track studentsā progress, set goals, and reflect on their learning journey. It will empower them to take ownership of their education, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Some Ideas!
Board Games
Rather than simply having a written test, teachers can challenge their students to create their own board games around the topics discussed in the class. Not only is this an engaging and creative approach to wrapping things up, it also helps to solidify the material in a more tangible way.Ā Students can begin by creating a plan, and then working together to craft a set of rules and objectives for their game. Once those two pieces are complete, itās time for the fun part: the actual development of the board, pieces, and cards. This could be done by printing out materials and cutting them to size, or by downloading templates and manipulating them online. Then, thereās the fun part of playing and testing the game! Students love it!
Click here and get the guide I give my students to create their own board games!
š Blogging
With new technologies, blogging has become a compelling way to assess students’ writing abilities. More teachers are using the internet to engage students with writing assignments and evaluate their skills. Blogging provides an outlet for students’ creativity, allowing expression beyond rigid exams. It also offers teachers valuable insights into individual writing styles, which are hard to gauge in traditional settings. Blogging should supplement other assessments, giving teachers extra context on students’ writing. Check out my studentsā writings on this blog! CLICK HERE!
š Projects
At its core, project-based learning engages students in authentic activities that require them to think critically and apply what they have learned in a meaningful way. These projects often require students to collaborate to create a unique product or project that is then assessed, or graded, to measure the effectiveness of the student’s learning. Projects may include anything from designing a product prototype to writing a research paper. Project-based learning has numerous benefits for both students and educators. For students, it encourages them to explore topics in greater depth, develop essential 21st-century skills such as communication and collaboration, and allow them to apply their learning to real-world situations. For educators, project-based learning allows them to assess students in a more holistic manner, focusing on critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills instead of simply rote memorization.
Learn more about Project Based Learning HERE!
By embracing this kind of engagement, weāre creating an environment where our students can take pride in their learning journey and develop the skills necessary for success. As educators, itās our duty to empower the next generation to dive deeper and challenge the status quo. It’s time to think outside the test!!!!
