Chapter 5

Abstract:

This chapter talked about assessment and how multiple forms of it are needed to successfully demonstrate understanding. It mentioned how assessment needs to look like a photo album, which is taken over time, and not a single photo, which only happens once. The chapter also talked about standardized tests and how it is not efficient in the long run to teach to the test. Standardized tests don't use all of the eight intelligences, which gives students who excel at those types of tests an unfair advantage. Chapter 5 also mentioned the importance of assessments providing timely and useful feedback. Another major point was that the assessments can and should differ as long as they are based on the same goals and types of knowledge.

Reflection:
Matt mentioned that there is a debate going on between whether or not to use standardized tests. Some educators would argue that standardized tests are biased and unfair while others would argue that they are necessary to report official grades. His point was that a grade is a grade, whether it was good or bad, and that educators and students need to respect that. Chelsae, on the other hand, wondered if she had been given the opportunity to take her tests with being able to read the questions out loud, if she would have performed better. She also thought that if she was having problems with assessment, then others must be having problems too. Chelsae also mentioned how she agreed with the book on how important it is for students to receive feedback on their work. Audra felt that the book reiterated much of what she had already read and learned about. Her favorite part of the chapter was its comparison to assessment being an entire photo album and not just a single photo. She also liked how the chapter elaborated more on the six facets of understanding, which helped to clear up any questions that she had.