Tests are Not the only Objective Assessments of Student Learning

Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.

When I first saw this prompt, I immediately responded no. To help support my answer, I googled "objective assessments” with the following result from Michigan State University:

Objective assessments (usually multiple choice, true false, short answer) have correct answers. These are good for testing recall of facts and can be automated. Objective tests assume that there are true answers and assume that all students should learn the same things.

Therefore, I stand tall stating that tests are not the only objective assessments of student learning. There are many types of assessments that will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of concepts. Such examples are multimedia presentations, portfolios, journals, movies, dramas, speeches, exhibitions, observations, participation, and many more. There is certain criteria that must be met in order for students to attain a high grade. Rubrics are the most commonly known to be utilized in this type of assessment.

If students are taught to manipulate concepts with an interactive whiteboard and answer them correctly, this is definitely a way to assess them based on their performance. There are multiple intelligences and different learning styles. That is why differentiation instruction is required in a classroom. All students are and learn different and all have different needs. I seriously believe that whoever is teaching solely with objective assessments, their students are at a great disadvantage. I would not be a happy parent, that’s for sure.

Wow! Portfolios, presentations, movies, and journals are greatly encouraged. They not only promote dynamic education, but take ownership of their own work which is more meaningful and easier to recall. In fact, I recently heard from my TCEA Region 19 technology director, that some bosses are watching a movie instead of going through a resume. These are life skills that are preparing students for the workforce.

I do want to add and clarify that formal exams are not terrible. Multiple-choice tests, true/false, question and answer, etc are still utilized and effective. They are simply not the only way to assess student learning.

In conclusion, with the multiple opportunities students are given, they are surely to reveal academic discernment. In addition to the many tools teachers have, students are highly engaged and actively learning throughout their learning. Students are learning in a fun educational environment. As a result, they want to go to school!



References

Michigan State University-Objective Assessment. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2010, from http://vudat.msu.edu/objective_assess/.

Promethean Teacher Feature-Sharon Campbell. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbG7i_5XZlY&feature=related.

Technology in Early Childhood Family Education Classrooms. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOhb4n4ADbM&feature=related.

What does a technology-infused classroom look like?

This is rather difficult to answer based on my role as a computer lab teacher. My lessons are based on the Technology TEKS with an online program called Tech Knowledge. I feel I have a technology-infused classroom, though, I cannot say the same in relation to other subjects as much as I try to incorporate them. As a campus technology coordinator, I have a notion of what a technology-infused classroom looks like. First of all, The Free Dictionary by Farlex defines infuse to put into or introduce as if by pouring. I interpret this to be a technology-infused classroom where technology is constantly pouring. Students are constantly receiving the latest and newest technology ever to be productive in everything they set themselves to accomplish.

Furthermore, I envision this classroom to contain an activboard wherein students are highly engaged in their learning! With just this tool, students are at a great advantage. It doesn’t end here. There is this technology package the teachers have which is a cart that contains a laptop, an elmo, and a projector. This is truly a remarkable collection of technology integration tools that keep students actively involved in their education. In another corner of the classroom, there is a computer center wherein students are working on their projects, hands-on activities, websites, simulations, in essence, meaningful activities that promote long-life learning. There is also a COW (computers on wheels) available for all students to obtain a laptop and work on a project together, access a wiki or post on a blog. Moreover, technology is used as a resource in the learning process and the room is filled with resources (IDE’s Vision).

In conclusion, this makes me reflect that the world we live in is a technology-infused world. Without a doubt, technology evolves at the blink of an eye. We rely on technology very much to accomplish many of our tasks faster and professionally. When was the last time someone went to develop a film? Digital cameras provide us instant access to our pictures and are usually stored in some type of portable hard drive. This is the world we live in. It makes complete sense that our students need to learn this way. How will they be prepared for the workforce if not by us?
I am very content with much of the integration of technology in education. I state this as an educator and a parent. This is what get student’s attention and allows them to retain the concepts longer. Gooooo Technology!!!!!!




References:

How can I integrate technology into my curriculum? (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gdgUg9oxic.

Smaldino, S.E., Lowther, D.L., Russell, J.D. (2008). Instructional Technology and Media for Learning. Columbus, OH. Merrill Prentice Hall.

The Free Dictionary by Farlex. (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2010, from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/infuse.

What Does a Learner-Active, Technology-Infused Classroom Look Like? (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2010, from http://www.idecorp.com/philosophy/newpage21.htm.