Product-Based Assessments
A move towards assessments that are more product-based. As he noted, ”our Web 2.0 is Web 1.0 for our learners”. Since they are accustomed to producing and sharing content, a move towards a model of students as producers will provide opportunities for more authentic assessments and the sorts of portfolios that provide a much better picture of a student’s capabilities than a set of standardized tests can.
Source: ZDnet
Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
Kristopher 8:17 am on September 6, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Products are much more customizable for the learner to express him/herself than a constraining test. Electronic products provide a convenient opportunity for learners to express and share.
David William Price 6:39 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I’m not entirely sure how this is different from the products students already produce. Certainly a move towards more “authentic” production is a possibility but I imagine it might outrage educators who seem a bit touchy when real-world applications are discussed for schools. An article I read recently about instructional designers indicated that Masters programs were not adequately preparing their grads for real jobs… at least in the opinions of employers who were surveyed. Those kind of results have caused changes here at Concordia where we focus in some courses on authentic work.
verenanz 8:46 pm on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I am hoping to work with Nelson Publishing Canada this fall to pilot their Gates-Macginitie Reading and Comprehension Test online in China. After speaking with the Rep, he gave me a couple of examples of where he could see the future of assessment leaning towards “assessing the actual abilities” and not just the Language and he gave me some examples from some Canadian colleges.
andrea 12:11 pm on September 10, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Opportunities for learners to be engaged in authentic activities are central to theories like situated cognition and constructivism, and making these (rather than standardized tests) the assessment does so much for making the learning and evaluation meaningful and representative of the students’ progress and development.
mcquaid 8:49 am on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think products afford an assessor the ability to see a broader range of student abilities in a more authentic light than a smaller assignment or quiz.
carmencheung 1:08 pm on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The process of producing a product not only allows students to demonstrate a broader range of knowledge then written tests/quizzes, but it could also be a tool for assessment for learning. Studdents can learn not only about the subject, but also about team work and collaboration.
Doug Smith 8:35 pm on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I have already seen in schools that many teachers are eager and interested to start down the path of product-based assessments: easy-to-use tools, exemplars and professional development are the only things standing in the way.
Everton Walker 8:20 pm on September 12, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Great move! For way too long students are being put under the pressure of standardized exams to produce number grades. With the advent of web 2.0, they are now able to be assessed in relaxed and virtual settings; presenting and producing quality work and experience that is aimed at their holistic development.
ifeoma 6:56 pm on September 13, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think that product-based assessments encourage innovation and research skills. These are skills required in the fast-paced, ever evolving technology invaded world we live in.