Rubrics

Honestly, I've never been a fan of rubrics. Although they can be very helpful (they allow the students to know exactly what the teacher expects from an assignment, and allows the the teacher a guide for grading an assignment) I feel that a rubric is similar to presenting an example of what a teacher expects; it stifles a student's creativity. When given a model, or example of something, most students try to emulate the specific example, not going beyond what is asked for. Think about us as future teachers: most of us just copy the model of lesson plan our professors give us, not adding or omitting anything. Is it because we agree with the example or because it's what is expected to receive the highest grade?

As a future teacher, I do not expect to use rubrics as much as I may use guidelines or other methods to evaluate a student's work. I don't want to limit how creative a student may want to be with a paper, project, drawing, etc. However, I do understand that establishing a specific guideline, like a rubric, for an assignment can justify why a student may receive an 'A' versus a 'A-' or a '4' versus a '3'. Also, if questioned about a students grades, rubrics can be used to show how each grade, or assignment was determined.

Overall, I believe rubrics have a purpose in the classroom, however, I would prefer not to use them.

Fairness in Assessment

I believe that establishing guidelines for assignments, projects, discussions, etc. help create an unbiased way of grading and assessing students. Use of rubrics, tests and quizzes, outlined guidelines, and specific instructions on assignments can be used to allow each student the same opportunity to succeed in the classroom. This seems fair, however, each student has different learning abilities, therefore limiting assessment to one or two different methods can prevent certain students from achieving their best potential.

I believe that a fair assessment for an assignment should be determined by a. the learning abilities of all students, b. what you expect to be achieved and/or learned by the completion of the assignment and c. the amount of work it may or may not take to complete the assignment. Also, I believe giving different assignments for each topic, or unit, of instruction will allow each student an opportunity to do well, as well as learn the material. Tests and quizzes are great for identifying what a student may or may not know (or may or may not have memorized; most students just memorize information for tests to pass), however, projects, essays and reflection papers allow students to use the knowledge they acquired and be creative, as well as demonstrating how well they understand.

Overall, I think that being able to be fair in assessment, there has to be a diverse amount of assignments, as well as specific criteria for each assignment, for a teacher to be able to identify whether or not students are, or aren't, understanding material taught within the classroom.

What is Assessment?

A formal definition of assessment is the act of assessing; appraisal; evaluation ("assessment." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 10 Sep. 2008. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/assessment). Assessment, however, is so much more than just an evaluation. An assessment involves developing a goal or purpose and then evaluating and observing how this is, or isn't, being accomplished. In the classroom, as a teacher, assessment should be done using different mediums. Tests, essays, papers, and projects are the typical methods teachers use to assess their students, however, discussions, debates, and oral presentations can be other methods teachers can use to assess the knowledge a student may, or may not, possess.

I believe that assessment is necessary within a classroom because it allows a teacher the opportunity to understand the needs of different students, differentiate how students learn, establish a better curriculum based on the students needs, and know what methods of teaching are effective, or are not effective. I think that assessment can be effective, fun, and helpful if approached with a positive attitude. Tests, especially standardized tests, are not disappearing anytime soon so instead of approaching tests with a negative attitude (which will be perceived and adopted by your students), make tests something that is more enjoyable and fulfills the learning needs of your students. This makes assessment become more about the knowledge a student is attaining, or misunderstanding, than about a student memorizing facts and concepts just to pass.

Overall, assessment is necessary to help students progress.

Here's a link to a website that has various articles describing other alternative methods to assessment: http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/assess/front_assess.htm

About Me

Hey Everyone! Ummm... hmmmm... how should I begin? Well, my name's Michelle and I'm an Elementary Education and English major (and yet, I started off a sentence with 'ummm' and 'hmmm'. lol). I LOVE working with children (I've been employed at a teen center [where I'm currently working], the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County, the America Reads program, and at Steven's Cooperative School) and hope to become a kindergarten or first grade teacher. As for interests, I enjoy reading (yay for books!), writing poetry (allows me to vent), music (various genres), shopping at American Eagle (the best store EVER), and exercising (although I've been slacking these past few weeks). I also enjoy cheerleading (yes, it is a sport and no, I don't cheer for the school, even though I want to [very long story]) and am excited to learn how to snowboard this winter (major YAY!). I'm very random and loud (unintentionally) and am very caring. This semester, I hope to attain As in all six of my courses *crosses fingers* and hope to become involved with S.E.A. My ultimate goals are to become a successful, effective elementary school teacher, continue helping out the nonprofit organization I work for (TeenPride, Inc.) and to become a volunteer for the Big Brother, Big Sister organization.

Other than that, I'm really friendly and kind; feel free to write me anytime you'd like.

Sincerely,
Michelle =)

Oh and btw...
My fave color is LIME GREEN! Just a random fact about me.