Chapter 11
Assessments play an important role in both teacher and
student worlds. New teachers are assessed by state tests, other teacher observations,
and written assignments. As a future educator, I will assess my students by
giving grades, report cards, and by providing written and oral feedback in
order to make sure my students are learning the criteria. Student
self-assessment is where students participate in reflecting on their own work. Assessments
are performed so we can receive feedback and further student involvement.
The democratic school and classroom is where both students
and teachers make the curriculum and classroom decisions. Students and teachers
have to have thorough discussions about how the classroom will run. Many
disagree with the democratic classroom because they claim that students are too
immature to make those decisions. I like the idea of the democratic classroom even
though I believe it’s easier said than done. With this system, students will be
involved in their work and succession because they see more value in what they’re
learning based on their own decisions.
I can integrate technology in my classroom by switching from
paper portfolios to digital portfolios in a middle or high school classroom. In
my opinion, digital portfolios are more appropriate for higher grade levels due
to the tech skills the students will need to have. Weebly is a website that I would
have my students use to upload images of their best work. If my classroom had its
own set of computers, I could have my students do their bell work on their own
blog every at the start of class. This would eliminate papers being turned in
and make it easier to grade.
At the beginning of the school year, many teachers give
preassessments to see what their students know and don’t know. Online surveys
takes away the use paper and would engage the students more. I would ask them
questions like “What is your preferred way to learn?” and “Would you like to
continue to see more online surveys throughout the year?” I could also use
online surveys in a political themed social studies project. Our class would
follow the elections and compare our results to the real votes. This project would
be very engaging while keeping my students up-to-date with the political world.
As a future educator,
I will need to reflect on my own work. After this, I can assess my students
while thinking of new and engaging activities. Although I see some advantages
to the democratic system, I would never consider it. Students need to be engaged
in their assignments so they see the value and can reflect on it. Integrating
technology assures that my students will develop tech skills, capture their
attention, and help them reflect on their learning.
Resources:
Alaimo, Avery (8 November, 2015). Elections. Made with
https://create.kahoot.it/#survey/d0492561-7235-4325-a13d-035bb2465035
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New
Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Great Kahoot - they may be more effective as a 'quiz' than a survey, but it does offer student input and that is the main focus of an online assessment - that, and the opportunity to save/analyze results. :) Democratic schools are pretty rare as that is very non-traditional in the traditional world of education, but many teachers try to envelop the concepts within their classrooms, if nothing else, to provide student choice and voice here and there!
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