As a music educator, assessment is constantly taking place in the classroom.

Assessment in the
music classroom does not have to be formal, and has to be authentic, as well as aligned with
students learning experiences. The assessment that takes place should complement the learning
styles of all students, and be focused on their learning and development. Assessing musical
knowledge and skills are beneficial to aiding students in become more knowledgeable and
talented musicians.

Assessment is an incredibly important part of student learning and growth. As an educator, we

need to be cognizant of the best ways in which to assess our students in different learning
situations. Through education courses, as well as experiences directing and leading choral
ensembles, I have developed skills in both formal and informal assessment. Informal assessment
takes place almost constantly in the music classroom during rehearsal, and can look different in
many ways. During a rehearsal, the teacher is constantly assessing whether students are
accurately understanding and performing the musical material. This type of informal assessment
is important, so that the teacher can mold and form a lesson around struggles that students face.
In my directing, during sectionals or large group work, I employ this assessment tool quite often.
By listening to and assessing a certain passage or section of the music, I am able to recognize
how accurately students are understanding and performing the music that is being learned.
Formal assessment can take place in a similar manner, using rubrics or checklists during
instruction. In my teaching, whether using informal or formal assessment, I am constantly
considering what is the best strategy for student learning.

In the music classroom, we have the ability to turn away from standardized tests, and truly focus
on the learning of our students through assessment. Students also have a great opportunity to
assess their own development of knowledge and skills. By assessing their own understanding,
through reflections, journals, or checklists, students are able to recognize successes and
challenges that they are facing in their musical learning. Self assessment can also be paired with
peer assessment and evaluation, as a way for students, and the teacher, to recognize difficulties
that are faced throughout the class. Student assessment is important, so that the students are able
to guide their own understanding. In self assessment, especially with journaling, students may be
more willing to discuss a challenge that they are facing, that the teacher may not have initially
taken note of in class. Student learning and development are so very important, no matter who is
performing the assessment, or whether it is an informal or formal assessment.

Assessment in the music education classroom is important in helping our students become the
most knowledgeable, intentional, and skillful artists that they can be. a music educator,
assessment is constantly taking place in the classroom. Our assessment should be focused on
how it best reaches and benefits our students. At the heart of assessment, teachers should not be
so worried about scores and averages as they are about student growth.