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Introduction
Assessment is the devising and use of tools to find out the nature and quality of
learning (Minton pg 270). Assessment measures the breadth and depth of learning. It
serves many different purposes. It can grade the attainment of learners, help to select
candidates for jobs or future courses, contribute to evidence on the effectiveness of
courses and teachers, and provide a goal for learners. But this applies mainly to the
final or summative assessment of the course, which aims to sum up the learners
achievements. (Petty, pg401)
The main use of assessment for teachers is the ongoing or formative assessment. This
is used throughout the course to form judgements on whether, and to what extent
learning has been successful; and to pinpoint difficulties so that remedial action can
be taken (Petty, pg 401)
Validity provides a check on how well the test fulfils its functions, in other words
whether it actually measures the knowledge or skills it is designed to assess (Petty, pg
416)- it test the target knowledge and skills and not something else. A valid test
should assess a representative sample of course content.
To be valid, an assessment must also sample across a large proportion of the topics of
the syllabus, and sample all the appropriate labels in blooms taxonomy. The breadth
and depth of learning sampled by the assessment must be correctly weighted in the
marking. (Petty, pg416)
Reliability often refers to consistency of scores obtained by the same persons when
retested. In other words a different examiner assessing the same work would award
the same score; all subsequent tests score the same score on tests administered at
different times. According to Minton (pg 279) “ In practise reliability is impossible to
achieve, certain assessment methods are more or less reliable than others.” For
example essay questions are less reliable than objective test questions.
Assessment Activities
I often use group activities. I split students into groups of two, three of four depending
on activity and the no. of attendees. Examples are matching card games and quizzes.
Quiz
The class is arranged in a ‘game show’ setting, the students play as individuals, pairs
or split into groups of three. Questions are delivered by the ‘host’ (me). Points are
allocated for correct answers, the team that attains the highest points wins the game.
Outcomes
The methods I use give me a good indication as to what the learner understands or is
still struggling with and hence what topic/areas to re-visit (spend more time on).
For example, during a couple of sessions, I noticed that the students were struggling
to name organic compounds. I made a mental note of this and arranged a tutorial to
spend more time and simplify ways/methods for this. The ability to name chemical
compounds was a fundamental part of the course.
The general opinion was that the activity made the topics more interesting; the
learning process enjoyable, and encouraged teamwork, interaction and participation.
I was pleasantly surprised of the outcome. The students who were normally quiet and
shy were very active and interacted well with others. For these reasons I use the card
game regularly and feel that they it is a productive and effective learning tool.
The preparation for the ‘Matching Card’ assessment activity is simple but very
effective. The aids used are two sets of bright coloured cards and a pen. The question,
answers, phrases and definitions are handwritten.
The aims and objectives of each lesson is achieved because the tasks are completed
successful at the same time learning is taking place. If on the other hand the learners
are struggling to understand a particular topic that topic is reviewed during the lesson
or in a tutorial.
Prior to the introduction of this activity (and the quiz) the students were divided,
certain groups of friends sat and only interacted with one another, whilst certain
students sat alone and rarely said a word. I was able to break these barriers by
splitting and mixing the groups, placing them with students that they would not have
normally interacted with. I’ve noticed the students becoming competitive (but
friendly) amongst each other because they all want to be winners!
Reference
Minton, D. Teaching Skills in further and adult education, third edition, 2005, pages
270-96.