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Evaluation and Assessment

Favorite ways to assess students

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Hannah Happ Hannah Happ 310 Points

Hello everyone! My name is Hannah and I am a pre-service teacher majoring in Biology Secondary Education at Wartburg College in Iowa. Throughout my career, in most of my science classes, I have been given formative assessments as the main way to assess my understanding of the information. I was wondering if other people had some personal favorites in assessing students besides the basic formative assessment. One of my fellow classmates introduced the idea of an exit slip (student writes something they learned in class and one question they have turns it in before they can leave) this is a way I could see how students were understanding the topic and the misconceptions they might have. If you have any other tips or favorites I would love to hear them! Thanks! 
Andrea Myers Andrea Myers 3675 Points

One of my favorite ways to assess with my ESOL students is by observation. Sometimes they can't write the information or speak it, but I will allow them to draw or otherwise demonstrate it.
Cindy Lopez Cindy Lopez 598 Points

Hi Hannah I love exit slips! I think theyre the best and beneficial to both the student and teacher.Most importantly they help the students reflect on what they've learned. I also love concepts maps, im a visually, organized person i think this is great also to help assess students in the classroom.
Noah Christians Noah Christians 320 Points

Hi Cindy,

Do your exit slips entitle what they learned from the day or questions, thoughts, and concerns?
Andrea Myers Andrea Myers 3675 Points

Yes, we call them exit tickets in my building, but same concept.
StarDaysha Santos StarDaysha Santos 330 Points

I like doing formative and informative assessments. Although I think observation and exit cards are great ways to assess students. I personally like to have students write out what they liked the most, what they found the most interesting, what they liked the least about each assignment, and why in a class journal. I also like using concept maps they make breaking down and connecting different ideas straightforward.
Daisy Garcia Daisy Garcia 450 Points

I am aware there are various modifications or accomadations that an educator must follow should they be state-mandated, but if that is not the case, what would be the best way to adapt assessments for ELL students in the classroom? Are you allowed to do so, or since it is not "approved" by district, you can not alter it to help them better understand questions and options on how to answer them. Thank you! 
Jessica Thomas Jessica Thomas 300 Points

I have a lot of ELL students. Our district allows any and all modifications, except for modifications to state tests (since that's all mandated by the state). 

I am NOT an expert, but I have worked hard to try to modify things to help my students. One thing is to be very careful of the phrasing you use for a question. I try to avoid using colloquial words and phrases, slang, or sentences that are too long or have unnecessarily difficult phrasing. I avoid a lot of those questions that are "designed to trick the student" (those seem so common on state assessments though). I teach vocabulary using very short, simplified definitions. I also try to provide lots of translations so they're seeing the words in their own language and in English. For assessments, I send my ELL students to take the test with the ESOL teacher or a bilingual aide, who helps them understand even better. I know that option isn't available to everyone; I've been very thankful for that opportunity.

I know reaching my ELL students is likely my biggest weakness. My goal is to engage in a lot more professional development to improve in this area.
Alexis Feiden Alexis Feiden 715 Points

I am a current education grad student. I have not had a classroom of my own yet, but I definitely think I will be utilizing exit tickets. A recent lesson plan I created involved exit tickets as the main assessment for the students!
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