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.