#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Hey all! I'm Matt, a volunteer teacher/teacher trainer for computer science in WA. Joining for the first part of the chat, might have to step out early #RuralEdChat
While I know it is about motivation, I believe similar principles apply to effective teaching & learning and by extension, assessment. https://t.co/POK98Lnnhq#RuralEdChat
Effective assessments should be valid (they test what was taught), reliable (not going to change drastically with a different group of students), and used for the purpose of gauging learning and driving future instruction. #ruraledchat
I’m not sure how long I’ll be here, waiting in the car to pick up daughter at a track meet. We’ll see when I get the call! #MomsTaxiDuty🚕🚖 #RuralEdChat
#RuralEdChat Q1: If typical assessments, particularly standardized tests, aren't what we are looking for, how can assessment be moved from being high-stakes serious to more playful and engaging?
A1: to say more than just shout "formative assessment!", I think a big part of engaging is lowering stress and really providing opportunity to show understanding. Assess with projects, presentations, or at least test + opportunity to revise. #RuralEdChat
#RuralEdChat Q1: If typical assessments, particularly standardized tests, aren't what we are looking for, how can assessment be moved from being high-stakes serious to more playful and engaging?
A1. When student are given an opportunity to be creative with their learning it is so much more rewarding for them. Otherwise the just learn for the short term. #RuralEdChat
A1: I think that depends on the context. States need accountability for their schools, and testing is the best way we've figured out to achieve that. But as classroom teachers, not all units have to end with a paper-and-pencil test. #ruraledchat
Of course, some students will be more stressed by presentations (*raises own hand*), but you can help by only grading what understanding you care about. I would lose points in art class because "your speech wasn't clear, you seemed nervous". 1) Yes, and 2) so what? #RuralEdChat
A1: I think we can achieve that by incorporating game and project-based learning into our instruction. Just make sure the assessment measures what we've taught. #ruraledchat
The question becomes, what is it that we claim to be measuring, and are the measurements we employ reflective of the learning outcomes we expect our students to possess? #RuralEdChat
That brings up a good point, if we are putting students into scenarios where they may be set up to fail, is that really an effective assessment of their learning? #RuralEdChat
Right. It should form a loop, then. Our teaching comes from the standard, which tells us what each student would know about a particular topic. From that, we develop learning targets from the standards that are eventually assessed. How the assessment occurs can vary. #ruraledchat
I can’t say that I remember a single bubble sheet test I have taken, but I remember quite a few projects that I had as an assignment, which says a lot at my age. #RuralEdChat
Word. I still recall a project I was asked to do in 4th grade because my teacher made it relevant and meaningful to me. A study on the new (at the time) field of satellites. #RuralEdChat
"You have to demonstrate understanding in the single way I deem important" probably isn't the right answer. At least, not since we can so often provide more opportunities. #RuralEdChat
A2: We must make sure that all involved understand how assessments are taking place. If my Admin and District leaders don't get it, how will my students and their parents? #RuralEdChat
I'm luck in that I help teach coding - it's naturally more project based. But we're AP this year, and unsure of how to set expectations for how students will do on that test. #RuralEdChat
A2: Tradition. Old-fashioned testing and grading are valued for their objectiveness -- for quantitative preciseness and ease. Unfortunately, learning is messy, and not always black and white like traditional assessments might have us believe. #ruraledchat
I truly believe that "old fashioned" assessments lend themselves to the "memorize and test" method of teaching. Were we ever assessing true learning? #RuralEdChat
I think its possible to structure multiple choice tests to give students problems that force them to apply concepts, not just regurgitate trivia. But it's hard and takes time and usually doesn't happen #RuralEdChat
A2. Engagement is the key. If students aren’t engaged then learning doesn’t take place. Alternative assessments can bridge the gap between standardized testing and student involvement. Communicating that is key. #RuralEdChat
A3: It begins by seeking to understand why the traditional methods fell short. We expect good instruction to be student-centered, so why not good assessments too? #ruraledchat
A1 I’m working on a method to have students pick key ideas in what they read and then quickly be able to transform the text so those words jump off the page. They can simulate their reading experiences for each other. #RuralEdChat
I like it because it gives us some new tools for gauging learning and rather than having a contrived standardized test which does not relate to one's learning, it becomes a natural progression in the existing curriculum. #RuralEdChat
A3 I think that this is a challenge. I also think that students must be taught the skills needed to complete alternative assessments before they are summative. It takes time to learn your students and their strengths. Small steps early can go a long way. #RuralEdChat
That's a great point and goes to the heart of one of my biggest frustration with PARCC and SBAC (SAS in NH) - the time spent to learn tools which have no purpose or transferable skill beyond the test. #RuralEdChat
A4: I focus a lot on questioning strategies. I tell my kids that life isn't always about the answers as much as the questions. Especially in science! #ruraledchat
A4: Classroom assessment needs to be varied, just like any other aspect of instruction. It takes a blend of approaches to really understand how well our students are learning. #ruraledchat
#RuralEdChat Q5 - Knowing that we cannot wave a magic wand and make it happen, how can assessment be moved from being high-stakes serious to more playful and engaging?
A5: By trusting educators to be professionals. Most "High Stakes" testing revolves around State and Federal laws. These expectations don't rely on educators being educators. #RuralEdChat
