Evaluation
Assessment both of and for learning (summative and formative) are key aspects of the learning process. I will take a multi-fasceted approach to assessment, showing progress and learning in many different ways.
- Student Observations. One way that I gauge student progress and learning is through observation. I am always observing my students and can often tell if they are "getting it" or daydreaming. A few student observation points that I will pay attention to are partner, group and whole class discussions. Whole class discussions will usually be part of the activating prior knowledge portion of the lesson, or the reflection/conclusion part of the lesson. Partner and group discussions are usually during the "learning something new an trying to make sense of it" phase of a lesson. Both are key points where I will observe my students' progress. Technology will also assist me in this process as my students will sometimes be having group discussions online or creating work collaboratively. A useful tool for tracking my observations will be my iPad. Using the Paper app, I can take notes on what I see. In addition, I will also experiment with apps like Teacher Assistant Pro, which allow you to quickly track student behavior.
- Project Grades. Another significant indicator of student learning for me will be the more creative and authentic works that my students create. In my class there will be many opportunities to show knowledge through creating (for example, Industrial Revolution infomercial). These projects will be completed individually, in pairs, or in small groups depending on the assignment. Projects will be graded according to key components outlined on a rubric. Some rubric tools that I will use are Rubistar and Project Based Learning Checklists.
- Tests/Quizzes. Although I do like to emphasize more creativity in my classroom, we will still have tests and quizzes. Some tests and quizzes will be online (for example, through tools like Quizlet). These assessments will only be a part of their total grade, however.
- Surveys. I have always been a teacher that loves student input. I will use the technological tools available to me this year (for example, Survey Monkey and Google Forms) to create surveys for my students to complete throughout the year. The surveys will both be experiential (about HOW the learning is taking place) and knowledge-based (what have you learned so far).