Before we look at different ways of assessing children, let’s be clear about the difference between these. The following definitions come from Teaching Children English. (Vale and Feunteun 1995, p. 227)
Testing
"A means of checking learning that
has taken place with respect to a specified teaching context or input, often by
means of a particular task. The results are usually concrete and can be
expressed quantitatively e.g. as a mark or percentage."
Assessment
"An attempt to analyse the
learning that a child has achieved over a period of time as a result of the
classroom/teaching/learning situation. Assessment does not need to be based on
a particular task, nor is it usually expresses as a mark or percentage. It may
include a subjective (teacher) opinion of the achievement of a child in terms
of attitude, participation, socialisation, general cognitive and physical
development etc. Assessment may be expressed ‘relatively’ in that the progress
of a single child can be measured against her/his individual starting points
and abilities rather than compared against the skills and abilities of other children
– as in the traditional testing situation."
There are many standardised tests which are for specific purposes. Assessments are, however, very useful for classroom teachers in helping them to know how to plan and provided for their students better.
If you have looked at the last blog about home visits, you will see that you were gaining information from parents who, maybe unknowingly, were assessing their child when they answered your questions. The questions are in the MI and Assessment booklet.
We will look at some or these and other assessments in future blogs.
With best wishes,
Margaret
Margaret Warner
Dip. S.M.S., A.C.P., M.A. Ed.
International Education Consultant
MAW Education http://www.maweducation.co.uk
MAW Publicationshttp://www.discover-multiple-intelligences.com
Assessment templates http://www.discover-multiple-intelligences.com/mawbookletass.htm
Lesson plan templates http://www.discover-multiple-intelligences.com/mawbookletlp.htm
