Jamie's+Multimedia+Essay

//In what ways do we assess learning?// // Tests based on bloom's taxonomy. Only cover up through application or analysis. Individual, in a bubble, no interaction or collaboration with other students, can only use what they can hold in their own mind. // Classes are rigid and orderly, teacher holds all knowledge. We test based on what students can restate what we told them.

//Why do we test the way we do?// // This is how I was taught and tested so this is how I teach and test. Need to prove students have met standards. //

//What are the benefits?// // Shows off students memorization skills. Standardized tests can be used to compare students from different teaching and learning styles. Like the students from Jenn's school. Standardized tests show that her students are learning same content and skills better because they are scoring higher than traditional students. //

//What are the constraints?// // Standardized tests and traditional testing do not test students for //21st century skills// such as collaboration, creativity, information fluency. //

//How might we meet the needs of the system and the needs of the learners?//

//What is your framework/argument for digital alternatives at this moment in time?// // Standardized tests do not teach students anything. They are a tool used to assess student achievement but recently we have been pressured into moving toward teaching to the test and away from teaching for the sake of teaching and learning. Assessment alternatives allow students enjoy learning in a structured yet organic form. Through collaboration, creativity, exploration, and sharing students can be assessed in a real world way. Assessing students in the three ways below will be uncomfortable. But, everyday we discuss how and why I believe in it more and see it as a way to engage my students in a positive and productive way. //
 * 1) // In variable rather than standardized conditions. //
 * 2) // As teams rather than as individuals. //
 * 3) // With assessments that are public rather than secret. //