Performance Assessment & Reflective Learning

Engaging Students in Performance Assessment & Reflective Learning (TNLT Chapter 10)

There are many ways a teacher can assess their students. Teachers can administer pre-assessments, formative assessments, and summative assessments to gauge student knowledge. However, as Chapter 10 states, performance assessments can also be used to evaluate student learning and involve students in the assessment process. The most important part of performance-based assessments is that they require students to "think reflectively about what they had done academically and presenting it in ways that others could view and understand" (Maloy, Verok, Ruth-Ellen, Sharon & Woolf, 2017, p. 248). 

TNLT Chapter 10 discusses how teachers can use digital portfolios to assess student performance and growth in addition to traditional assessments (tests, essays, quizzes, etc.). As Maloy, et al. (2017) state, “portfolios were opportunities to assess their performance through a technology-based approach to evaluation that involved both personal self-reflection and feedback from readers and viewers” (p. 270) Digital portfolios are also student created and can help students develop a sense of ownership of their learning.

 

(http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/1537-how-do-digital-portfolios-help-students)

I am considering digital portfolios in my future classroom because it helps students in two key ways:

1. Students are self-evaluating/self-reflecting as they select materials to include in their digital portfolios. 

2. Students are learning how to use technology to promote personal learning and knowledge (Maloy, et al., p. 270).

When I was in school, my teachers had folders we called portfolios that contained student-selected assignment/project. We decorated our portfolios and organized our assignments in a pleasing way for our teacher to view and for our parents to view at parent-teacher conference. We also had to write reflections every month about our learning and why we decided to include an assignment in our portfolio. I feel that is similar to the digital portfolio Chapter 10 discusses disregarding the fact that it was not digital. I think I would have students create their own digital portfolio; I believe students would enjoy designing their portfolio and selecting assignments that showcase their learning and abilities the best. 

(https://media0.giphy.com/media/BemKqR9RDK4V2/giphy.gif)