Reflection #2

1.Personally, I do believe that only offering students multiple choice tests limits students. As teachers, we should encourage students to think, to find the answers if they do not know them. I think this is a part of the learning experience. Students know that when taking a multiple choice test that the answer will be there, typically 1 of 4 so they have a 25% chance of guessing and getting the answer correct; in the end getting a “good enough” score but overall not learning much at all. When giving summative assessments such as this, teachers should not want students to guess but to have learned the information and to apply it appropriately. I think multiple choice tests also limit the student’s uniqueness and creativity. Different concepts can be applied in different ways. I believe that students should have the opportunity to express their knowledge and overall understanding of a subject by more than just choosing one of four answers. 2.Formative assessment can be discussion in groups or as a class or they can be written, such as worksheets. I prefer assessments such as the KWL charts to assess student’s prior knowledge, expectations, and what they have learned or even concept maps, to make connections in information they are learning. These assignments can be turned in so that I’d know where my students are as the lesson progress. Summative assessments are more conclusive to a lesson or group of lesson. Tests (incorporating multiple choice, short answers, fill in the blank, etc.) and other creative projects can be used. Book reports are great for English classes. I think it is important to have both formative and summative assessments because it gives me an idea of what the students know both on a daily basis and after complete a unit. •Book Reports: Students can choose from a list of books, relating to the subject matter. From there, they can read summarize, and express their opinions of the story. •Presentations/Expert Groups: Students can create presentations, taking on the role of peer teachers. They would be expected to learn and research parts of the assigned topic to present and teach to the class. •Quizzes: This is a simple way to judge student knowledge as the lessons progress; given at the end of each week.