Three topics related to assessment I believe will have a lasting impact on a students learning process are formative assessments, adaptations and differentiation and as well descriptive and evaluative feedback.
As an educator I would integrate formative assessment into my daily instruction to allow myself to be able to monitor student learning growth, and guide my own teaching. In more specification using the method of triangulation will allow me to gather evidence from observations, conversations and student-work to ensure I have a well-rounded view of the students understanding. For example, I would observe students during activities, engage them in discussions or prompts to expose their thinking to both myself and them, and review their work through exit slips or journals. By doing so this allows me to identify any misconceptions the students have, adjust my own instruction in real-time, and provide specific targeted feedback to students. Using multiple sources of evidence within formative assessment allows me to ensure a fairer and accurate visual of the progress students are making in their learning journey.
Adaptations and differentiation will ensure all students can access and engage with concepts from the curriculum. Differentiation invloves planning various ways for students to learn based on their readiness, learning styles or even their intrests. Ways of including this into my classroom would be through offering choices, whether that be through assignments or materials used to access/learn concepts. Adaptations, as it may be similar, focuses on specific changes made to meet individual students needs. Ways in which I would provide adaptations for students is by providing learning materials that reflect their identities or cultures, provide extra time if needed, allowing for assistive technology to be used, or even by simplifying the instructins where need be. More importantly, I would ensure I myself am flexible in the classroom to help create an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to strive for success.
Lastly, I would use descriptive and evaluative feedback to support student learning. Descriptive feedback provides specific, detailed information on how the learner can improve and what they have achieved. Through students work I would ensure what they recieve back from me is not “good job,” but rather “Your argument is clear, but adding evidence from the text would make it stronger.” A way in which I would use to keep myself accountable in both descriptive and evaluative feedback for students is by using a glow and grow method, and as well the sandwich method. Allowing for students to recieve feedback on what they are doing well at, and where they can grow. By using this during learning I will create a balanced approach that supports reflection, motivation and skill development in students.