10. Assessments & Strategies to Measure Student Growth

“The real goal of classroom assessment is to improve student performance, not merely audit it.” 
                                                                ― Carol Ann Tomlinson

A Written Assessment - One-minute Paper or Reflections. I feel a written assessment, such a one-minute paper, of written reflection, might be one of the most powerful formative assessments in a teacher’s toolbox. Why? It does more than just check a student's understanding of the lesson, it demonstrates a student’s ability to write, their ability to organize thought and ideas, and it provides insight into their level of vocabulary. This quick exercise gives teachers a lot of information about what students know and how they express themselves, in one of the most important skills in education. It's a great way for teachers to assess multiple areas at once.

An Observational Assessment - Peer Teaching. It was said, “we remember 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we see and hear, 70% of what we discuss with others, 80% of what we personally experience, and 95% or what we teach others.” - Edgar Dale. I believe there is truth in that. Peer Teaching, or having students take on the role of teacher by explaining concepts or demonstrating skills to their classmates is a powerful method of assessment but also helps a student remember what they have learned. And, creates of sense of unity, empathy, and cohesion in the classroom through the act of serving.

Clear Expectations. As a teacher, having a clear outline of grading criteria and expectations is essential. For any summative assessment, such as a project, portfolio, presentation, or final exam, a well-designed rubric, or criteria will outline specific objectives, standards for evaluation, and levels of proficiency. It will help students understand the standards they are expected to meet and allow them to better self-assess their own work. Rubrics or clear standards can also ensure consistency and fairness in grading, helping teachers avoid bias, and provide the most accurate evaluations possible.

Student Reflection. It’s great to create opportunities for student to self-reflect on their performance and self-assess as part of any summative assessment. Students can not only evaluate their work against a teacher’s criteria and learning objectives, but also look back at their own work and assess their growth and improvement. This reflection promotes awareness, as students identify strengths and areas for improvement in their performance. Additionally, self-assessment empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey, set goals for future improvement, and develop a deeper understanding of their own learning processes.