Re: Assessment of Students/Programs

Nancy Sattler (nsattler@TERRA.CC.OH.US)
Fri, 4 Oct 1996 15:54:58 -0400

At 02:03 PM 10/4/96 -0400, you wrote:
>Nancy Sattler responded to my statement "WOULD YOU DEFINE/DESCRIBE
>"ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE" FOR ME. THANKS." which was a question I had from her
>original posting:
>
>>>>Hi!
>>>>Do you have a special assessment technique that you use in your classroom
>>>>that is a "little bit different?" If so, would you be willing to share it
>>>>with the Placement/Assessment Committee (PAC) of AMATYC?
>>>>
>>>>If so, please send replies to nsattler@terra.cc.oh.us
>
>she said:
>
>>Ed,
>>By assessment technique I mean any method you have of assessing your
>>student's learning that other than the standard paper and pencil test.
>>Does this help?
>>Nancy
>___________________________________________________________________
>
>Nancy,
>
>Are the assessment techniques you describe used for the purpose of
>assigning student grades? That is, are "points" assigned by the teacher on
>the assessment and then earned by students? I don't mean to be picky.
>
>Are assessment techniques summative in nature? Tests are summative but
other forms of assessment could be formative.
>
>I quite often give assignments that are designed to help the student
>understand a mathematical concept. This is different than trying to assess
>what they know. I assign points to these. Are these assessment techniques?
>
>I also assign projects that require the students to use the mathematics
>taught. I want to see if they can apply mathematics in a situation that
>requires a sustained effort and
>collaboration. I assign points. Is this an assessment technique? YES
>
>Do assessment techniques cause learning and understanding to take place?
YES>
>Thanks.
>
>Ed

Ed,
When I asked about assessment techniques I meant anything that will improve
the quality of student learning. Not necessarily providing evidence for
grading students. It certainly could take the form of a project.

My purpose for asking the question about assessment was to gather
information across a broad population.

If you have anything to share, please let me know.
thank for the input
Nancy Sattler
Terra C.C.
Fremont, OH