#NVedchat Archive
#NVedchat is dedicated to increasing communication and collaboration of education related topics in the State of Nevada. Originally, created by Mr. Snehal Bhakta.
Monday March 14, 2016
Welcome to . Tonight’s topic is Alternatives to Testing, Exams, Assessment, etc...
To join you may want to use Tweetdeck, tweetchat or another client that allows columns. Use the hashtag to track and join us.
For tonight’s chat, we will use Q1, Q2… format for Questions. Please use A1, A2… format for answers & include
Let’s start by giving a S/O to another educator(s) using their twitter handle & the hashtag to join us tonight!
Share what was the last test you took & whether it was a 'true' indicator of content mastery.
S/O to . Sup girl? Join us on
Hello ! Last test I took was in my Masters of Leadership class. Rocked the A, but not sure it was truly a perfect score...right?
Completed the Google Certified Educator exam in Dec, very good indicator of content mastery, it was demonstrate, not recall
Have to join in the fun with my peeps 👌🏾🎉✨
Q1-Why is testing, exams, assessments, etc...so important and is it flawed? Why or why not?
Can't remember the last test I took it was so long ago- that's a good thing!
Hey Marlena! stoked to have you joining from NashVegas
A1: Important to show if one is learning, but flawed because of how most assessments are administered
A1: A management test. Since I didn’t study the policy manual, I don’t know. If all that stuff was in there, very detailed
A1-Old school indicator of success in education. Unfortunately probably out of date with current Ss & Ts b/c of Internet...yep!
Last major test I took was for my administrators license yrs ago. 8 hrs of fun w/a blue book. I passed but had lots to learn.
A1 we need a way to measure both proficiency & growth but they are not only way to measure success for Ss https://t.co/BU3V760T8e
Q1-Why is testing, exams, assessments, etc...so important and is it flawed? Why or why not?
Well we are the other Vegas! 😉
Hola, the last test I took was my NBCT, component 2, I passed, but I always think to myself...I can't believe I turned that in
Honestly my last "test" since college has been attached to a required video. So no.
multiple choice test don't show us true measure of Ss knowledge or application https://t.co/J2C1jPdsXV
A1-Old school indicator of success in education. Unfortunately probably out of date with current Ss & Ts b/c of Internet...yep!
I can’t even remember the last test I took. Eye test count? Maybe back in my Masters. Was relevant to see what I knew
A1 In life you can take a retake of almost any test. Most students don't get retakes.
Whoops I thought that was Q1…
. I am guilty of giving them, but it's tough to assess otherwise at times with 160+ students
A1:Need 2 have some uniform measure of progress but testing shouldn't be end all.Should inform instruction. https://t.co/NtUKgBObCe
Q1-Why is testing, exams, assessments, etc...so important and is it flawed? Why or why not?
A1: It's important when trying to plan appropriate instruction for individual kids- to be continued
A1: To know whether learner learned
Q2-Instead of a vocabulary test like multiple choice, what could you use instead? (Think only in terms of multiple choice)
A1 cont'd: flawed b/c i don't see data used to drive instruction. It is just for "grades"
A1 thats what I want to know! Y is testing important? Depends on the type, purpose, timeliness. good. Demonstrate good.
agree they serve purpose but cant b only measure when look at Ss achievement-need better systems & less Ss https://t.co/UfyLfX9hsD
. I am guilty of giving them, but it's tough to assess otherwise at times with 160+ students
When in doubt mark C. Not the best indicator of success.
Incidentally, management test had lots of situational Qs about hierarchy rules
A2: I don't understand the ?- other than mult choice or diff types of mult choice?
A2: maybe try having Ss come to hard and use word in a sentence vs. a m/c test?
A2-Why not have the students carry a conversation talking about the subject. Another student track number of words or video it.
Yup, probably the only reason we still test https://t.co/eFXH0iAZB9
A1-Old school indicator of success in education. Unfortunately probably out of date with current Ss & Ts b/c of Internet...yep!
A2: Have Ss write a short story that incorporates the vocabulary to prove mastery of the terms
Do you mean what other activites? or that it has to be multiple choice? confused - sorry
https://t.co/CSwYYmmr02
Q2-Instead of a vocabulary test like multiple choice, what could you use instead? (Think only in terms of multiple choice)
I used clock method-clock divided in 1/4s for each letter-where ever second hand is choose that letter
. forgot about the req vid tests. So not relevant. Hated those tests https://t.co/0eBVaeuYEq
Honestly my last "test" since college has been attached to a required video. So no.
A2: I like your answer. Context is everything. I don't care about memorization! I care about application
A2: maybe try having Ss come to board and use word in a sentence vs. a m/c test?
A1- assessment is important but projects & essays are better than standardized tests which do not work well due to bias
having Ss create narrative based on informational text shows deeper understanding & vocab acquisition https://t.co/FTHou3IFhL
A2: Have Ss write a short story that incorporates the vocabulary to prove mastery of the terms
A2: Vocab Tests are useless unless Ss are applying knowledge. Made a Vimeo of meaning, create skit using Vocab, use in a story.
A1 teacher generated tests are good
A2 Must draw a pic or symbol for each, act them out, play taboo w/ vocab word bank
A2: Stealing 's answer! Context is the key to show mastery.
using vocab in context of conversation & explanation shows much better understanding than choosing C https://t.co/fiDRwoihc0
A2: Vocab Tests are useless unless Ss are applying knowledge. Made a Vimeo of meaning, create skit using Vocab, use in a story.
Love the hands on idea for vocab tests.
Q3-Instead of a written essay like multiple choice, what could you use instead? (Think only in terms of written essay)
That’s an important part of testing - to drive instruction. Sadly most Ts stop instruction at the test https://t.co/P7msPpM8tt
A1 cont'd: flawed b/c i don't see data used to drive instruction. It is just for "grades"
Agreed! More work in Ts to not use multiple choice but better for Ss.
Q3-Instead of a written essay, what could you use instead to test comprehension? (Think only in terms of written essay)
Awesome ideas! Games are fun way to learn!
A3: photo essay, or hybrid visual essay. Narrative poem/character analysis poem.I've tried all.
it becomes about who are we making it easier for-Ss to show true understanding or easy to grade https://t.co/VwBLyEeWLJ
Agreed! More work in Ts to not use multiple choice but better for Ss.
A3: I love projects where kids decide how to show me their learning. Could be a video, a poem, a demonstration.
A2 any type of application type ? Use it in a sentence, write short story, have convo
A2- I used to have students use vocab in essays &write sentences using the words. Now, they just look up the words they don't know
A3 Write a speech to deliver an opinion on the topic. Set a purpose. Don't just write to write to teacher.
Oh geesh. I'm actually awake tonight - - here I come.
A3-Have them do an impromptu presentation. Give Ss 10-15 mins to prep w/ blank paper, then present 2-3 mins on topic.
Right? I know grading is hard and takes a long time, but it's not about me! It's about whether the kids learned
A3: Video essay that involves selecting images, video clips, etc. that apply to content being assessed
A3: Speech, role-play, prezi, blog, interview. https://t.co/XufgDhJZ0o
Q3-Instead of a written essay, what could you use instead to test comprehension? (Think only in terms of written essay)
A3 love the idea of video explanations-show what you know if 3 minutes with visuals https://t.co/gNkxVsriUG
Q3-Instead of a written essay like multiple choice, what could you use instead? (Think only in terms of written essay)
Love the Taboo idea! https://t.co/YnMautztSm
A2 Must draw a pic or symbol for each, act them out, play taboo w/ vocab word bank
It speaks to what students are interested in...
also how many grades are you giving-lots of tests do not always show Ss true understanding https://t.co/BRavUHDugE
Right? I know grading is hard and takes a long time, but it's not about me! It's about whether the kids learned
Q4-What other alternative ways can you use to test/assess content mastery?
snapchat your understanding or 4 -6 instagram posts https://t.co/QFswmvsUGf
It speaks to what students are interested in...
. Assess quickly, assess often, assess in a multitude of ways
A3 presentation app like where Ss have to KNOW material not just BS through 5 paragraphs https://t.co/Yr3D2UjK22
Q3-Instead of a written essay like multiple choice, what could you use instead? (Think only in terms of written essay)
A4: Well-defined performance tasks are a great way to see if learning has occurred at a deeper level
Nailed it-assessment should drive future instruction not a mark in grade book 2b ignored in the future https://t.co/X3k0jAGLSX
That’s an important part of testing - to drive instruction. Sadly most Ts stop instruction at the test https://t.co/P7msPpM8tt
A1 cont'd: flawed b/c i don't see data used to drive instruction. It is just for "grades"
I don't know much about these but Ss could do the same with a still or , right?
A4-Using games over content area. Ts would have to create them, but isn't that what we should due? Not reuse tests, over & over
key is multiple ways-see too many summatives & not enough formatives that cause changes in course of class https://t.co/invb4oxi3u
. Assess quickly, assess often, assess in a multitude of ways
Ss can create them like in Kahoot. Then all Ts have to do is approve and add if needed https://t.co/sycBMkhTfP
A4-Using games over content area. Ts would have to create them, but isn't that what we should due? Not reuse tests, over & over
I've started to use task rotations based on brain research. Ss pick their strength to do then a diagonal task that is the opposite
A4: Quick formative activities like Kahoot or Plickers to see where needs lie are good too
I agree! Learning about the content and so many 21st century skills too
Love the idea of a time limit. Forces S to synthesize and be concise https://t.co/OWVNUq9A9b
A3 love the idea of video explanations-show what you know if 3 minutes with visuals https://t.co/gNkxVsriUG
Q3-Instead of a written essay like multiple choice, what could you use instead? (Think only in terms of written essay)
love the idea of interviews-must write quality Qs as well as deliver quality As https://t.co/gSlvj9VgiN
A3: Speech, role-play, prezi, blog, interview. https://t.co/XufgDhJZ0o
Q3-Instead of a written essay, what could you use instead to test comprehension? (Think only in terms of written essay)
A3-website,multi genre research project, videos,student's teaching mini lessons to peers,skits,etc. that demonstrate understanding
A4: incorporate more formative assessment, too many things out there that are underutilized, and make summatives short and sweet
I like the competitive aspect of it b/c it prepares Ss for the real world.
Please share! :) https://t.co/AtbuMfEIiO
I've started to use task rotations based on brain research. Ss pick their strength to do then a diagonal task that is the opposite
hi Ana! Csn you describe one or show a pic of an example?
is the bomb! only thing I like to use for presentations -more visual less text https://t.co/XvUM0FW7uz
A3 presentation app like where Ss have to KNOW material not just BS through 5 paragraphs https://t.co/Yr3D2UjK22
Q3-Instead of a written essay like multiple choice, what could you use instead? (Think only in terms of written essay)
I used a personality test to do something similar. Was always surprised at how well it went.
Q5-How would you justify to someone an alternate idea vs a test/assessment?
You must show me this! https://t.co/3zPCnCY6Ow
is the bomb! only thing I like to use for presentations -more visual less text https://t.co/XvUM0FW7uz
A3 presentation app like where Ss have to KNOW material not just BS through 5 paragraphs https://t.co/Yr3D2UjK22
Q3-Instead of a written essay like multiple choice, what could you use instead? (Think only in terms of written essay)
performance tasks show understanding & application on real world
A5-No multiple choice test in most jobs. Performance(actions) is what makes grade. Why can't we use similar ones in education?
A5- Performances are naturally motivating and engaging.
A4- English cannot be mastered. Reading & writing are skills you continue to develop as you get older. I look for improvements
gamification builds buy in from Ss & creates novel ways to show understanding-also can have Ss build them https://t.co/1UJdUtZPdT
A4-Using games over content area. Ts would have to create them, but isn't that what we should due? Not reuse tests, over & over
A5 Which shows what Ss learned? Did all Ss have a chance to show what they learned? Was it a gotcha task?
Every student writes their own test. If it adequates covers content, then they could have mastered it right?
For sure iinterviews can incorporate so many language tasks https://t.co/ABVnY8QXzM
love the idea of interviews-must write quality Qs as well as deliver quality As https://t.co/gSlvj9VgiN
A3: Speech, role-play, prezi, blog, interview. https://t.co/XufgDhJZ0o
Q3-Instead of a written essay, what could you use instead to test comprehension? (Think only in terms of written essay)
A5: If you can teach it or show someone how to do something, you have clearly learned something, better than a MC test
A5-Make the test like a job interview! Isn't it kind of the same thing? Got to know your info to get the job right?!?!
Ours Ss are great at texting but struggle w/face2face communication.
A5- Do you like taking tests? What I thought.
A5: Justify by reminding Ts that not all Ss learn the same way thereforeshouldn't all be assessed the same way
A5 Real life not series of multiple choice/true false-its performance & application with redo's & openbook https://t.co/zR8sEHUBG6
Q5-How would you justify to someone an alternate idea vs a test/assessment?
has been gamifying a lot with her 5th graders https://t.co/lVvrAdno56
gamification builds buy in from Ss & creates novel ways to show understanding-also can have Ss build them https://t.co/1UJdUtZPdT
A4-Using games over content area. Ts would have to create them, but isn't that what we should due? Not reuse tests, over & over
Thanks for participating in tonight's on Alternatives to Testing, Exams, or Assessments, etc...
A5 look at results of a S demonstration. Can tell instantly if S gets it or not
A5: Easy. Life isn't filling in bubbles. School should prep Ss for 21st century jobs based on innovation. https://t.co/3OipfyyvGm
Q5-How would you justify to someone an alternate idea vs a test/assessment?
so true-we need 2 provide opportunities & instruction on these skills
So glad to work in same state as Kyle! https://t.co/G73Er0Y1PY
A5: If you can teach it or show someone how to do something, you have clearly learned something, better than a MC test
Authentic learning needs authentic assessment
great point-if you can argue your interpretation based on evidence then shouldn't that count? https://t.co/lAiOjUSVX4
A4- English cannot be mastered. Reading & writing are skills you continue to develop as you get older. I look for improvements
Following tonight's on alternatives to testing
I may not have been truly , but I am now! And same to you!
Good night all. Check out this guest blog I wrote if you have time. I appreciate your support! https://t.co/KYdjrMO2oj
great books often can be read from many perspectives & have more than 1 theme
Yesssss! We have to prep our kids to think, try, fail repeat!
A5- Multiple choice is mostly recall. That's not the most beneficial skill in English [drops mic] 😝
agree! Teaching is the best way to really gain an understanding
Woohoo! I've refound Andy and he's helping make education in NV better! https://t.co/NWLWQzDu5U
Authentic learning needs authentic assessment
Important to remember. My daughter can’t handle tests. Find a better way to assess https://t.co/BedxmAf0Dy
A5: Justify by reminding Ts that not all Ss learn the same way thereforeshouldn't all be assessed the same way
I'm a New Englander, Kyle. But Lake Tahoe is home now. 😊
Take it to where the students are... great idea!
