Instruction and Assessment are Interwoven to Support Learning

            It has become very clear to me that instruction and assessment are not independent, but are rather interwoven in the classroom. To be a great teacher, it is important to understand how to effectively interweave these two.

Describe the teaching/learning connection between instruction feedback and assessment.

            There can be a strong tie between instruction and assessment. Different forms of assessment can be used depending on the form of instruction used. For example, if a teacher uses instruction, the teacher may focus on assessment of knowledge. If the teacher has more of a group work oriented style of instruction, the teacher may look for communication skills. In addition, assessment might be delivered at different times depending on the instructional strategy. For example, programmed learning can give immediate feedback through the use of technology. In contrast, inquiry based instruction may use a longer-term form of assessment. Instruction is important in determining when and how teachers can assess students.  

How can a teacher use assessment for as and of to foster ownership of learning, goal setting and achievement?

            A teacher can use all forms of assessment to foster ownership of learning, goal setting and achievement. I think that it is important to be transparent with your students. The more transparent you are, the better off the class climate will be and the relationships with your students.

            Teachers can help students to foster ownership in various ways by using assessment. My associate teacher on my first placement shared with me his way to do this and it might just be the best way. My AT would create little portfolios of student’s learning throughout the semester. Prior to report cards, he would have a one-on-one conference with each student to discuss their progress throughout the semester. He would share with the student the grades throughout the class and ask them which mark they think was theirs. Students could take ownership on their own progress and identify exactly how they thought they were doing. My AT would then ask the student what their goal for the semester or even unit was. From here, both the student and teacher would have a clear idea of where the student is currently and where they would like to be. My AT would finally ask the student how they are going to achieve that goal. Now both parties have a clear idea and plan for the future.

            When I was a student, I did not have ownership such as this. I think a one-on-one conference would really give me the motivation and drive to improve because I have identified where I am and where I need to go.

Why is assessment important?

            Assessment is extremely important for both students and teachers. For one, students obviously want to know their grades throughout the semester and at the end. It is unfair for a teacher to assign a grade at the end of the semester without giving any progress reports or having the student understand where they are.

Assessment is used to create goals. Once students and teachers see where they stand in a topic or unit through assessment for and as, goals can be created and pursued for the remainder of the unit. For example, if a student gets a midterm mark of 50 and they want a 70, the teacher and student can come together and set an action plan to reach the goal.

I think assessment also brings transparency to the teacher and students. The more assessment and feedback that is provided, the better the relationships will be. Students cannot question the actions taken by the teacher because the class will be in a rhythm and students will soon have a sense of accountability.

In addition, teachers can speed up or slow down depending on the needs of the class. If it has been identified that the class does not understand concepts, the teacher should slow down or change teaching methods. This can’t be done without using assessment to see how students are doing.

From a teacher’s perspective, using assessment will be extremely important, especially if they are audited or have parents questioning why their kids are doing how they are. If a teacher can provide evidence of varying assessment techniques used, grades can be justified and null any argument.

How does it support learning?

            As I have previously stated, assessment helps students and teachers identify where exactly they stand. From here, the student can set goals and work towards them. In addition, teachers can modify their techniques to accommodate learning in the best way possible.

            Assessment really brings accountability to both students and the teacher. Once goals are set and needs are identified, it is up to the teachers to accommodate the students, and it is the student’s responsibility to follow through with their action plan.