Are tests the only objective assessments that can be used?

There are many types of assessments that can be used in the classroom. A test is one type of assessment that is used frequently probably because it is objective and is effective in seeing results of student learning. This is not the only type of assessment that can be used in the classroom.

At the preschool level there is no paper-and-pencil testing, so to speak. Preschoolers do not read so assessments come in the form of observations, portfolios, and standardized tests and screenings-where the teacher/screener works one-on-one with each child. One down side to screenings, like the DECA, which is a social/emotional scale for preschoolers, is some of the statements can be subjective. This makes it very difficult when it comes to scoring each individual. A DECA trainer said it is important to score each child with the same understanding of each statement. However you read/understand each statement is how you should score each child. Portfolios and observations are best in that they show what children are doing. I do feel that observations using anecdotal notes can be subjective. This depends on how the observer views and records what is going on. It is very important to record actual actions seen and not interpret what is seen.  Portfolios are assessments that show progress over a period of time. In a portfolio can be actual work samples, pictures of work or creations that could not be saved, pre and post assessments, and video clips. These are actual examples of the children’s work but I think that a teachers understanding of child development can have a profound effect on interpreting results of the portfolio. I feel a teacher with a good understanding of child development will assess the work understanding developmental stages children go through and the results will reflect this understanding.

There are many assessments that can be used in class and it is important to be as objective as possible. Tests are effective objective assessments but not the only form of assessment that can be used. It is important to use a variety of assessments and to be as objective as possible to get the best results in determining student understanding.

 

Technology-Infused Classroom

A technology-infused classroom is a place where the teacher and students have access to and use various forms of technology to complete projects, solve problems, collaborate, and learn. Technology comes in many forms. It can be a digital camera, video recorder, access to the Internet, editing software, video games, Podcasts, White Boards, Smart Boards, iPods/iPads, Blogs, Wiki’s, computer software, collaboration sites, virtual field trips, the overhead projector, the chalkboard, projected and non-projected visuals. The list goes on and there are many more emerging technologies. In these classes students are learning to tap into resources that are available by the push of a button or the click of a mouse. The classroom is no longer defined by the four walls that surround it but rather defined by what the whole world has to offer.

I work in a preschool setting. At the preschool age it is extremely important that the students spend ample time handling actual materials to increase their learning. A virtual environment for these youngsters is a bit of a stretch. There are a few good ways to infuse technology into the preschool setting. The first and probably easiest is listening stations, i.e. books/music on CD or iPods. Another simple piece of technology is the use of the flip camera. The children can use these to document their work or take pictures of friends. This is a hands-on activity that allows them to be creative. With the teachers help, e-books, photo stories and videos can be easily put together. Using an interactive white board exposes children to the new technology and really it is the next step from the non-projected charts, graphs and visuals I currently use.

In my class, I do have a listening station with CD. I look forward to getting an iPod, a digital camera, and maybe someday soon I will find myself lucky enough to have an interactive white board. This is something I will work towards.