Vignette 8

Decisions, Decisions

            Through reflecting on these vignettes I think I am starting to realize I am a little old fashion, or old school as some might say. I do agree with both formative and summative assessment. Also, I agree with allowing opportunities for all students to succeed or feel some sort of success. In my classroom I think I will allow summative assessment account for the majority of a student’s grade but the formative assessment will be averaged into it. I just feel that if students are working on projects and you are giving them verbal feedback and helping them while they are doing it the changes should be made for the final submission. Therefore there was no grade appointed for the formative assessment but it was reflected on the final product. If the student’s considered your feedback then the summative assessment grade should be around the same as the formative and summative averaged together. I think that if the students are listening to verbal formative assessment then whatever they are working on will be adapted to the advice given therefore a higher grade will be received when it is handed in for final submission. I think formative assessment should be communicated between the teacher and the student so the student understands that even if they do not receive a written grade they need to take all guidance/advice into consideration when handing something in.  

            On the flip side of that if there is no proof (written proof) to back up that formative assessment has taken place then it may come back on the teacher in a negative way. If a student has been given feedback that would help them succeed and they do not use it than the teacher looks bad because there is nothing to back her/him up that formative assessment has taken place.

            I am still undecided about how I would use formative assessment in my classroom but I think I would combine it with summative assessment to get an average to appoint a grade. I do believe that assessment plays a big part in student success and students wanting to continue to work hard. I think any form of assessment is good for students as long as it is done in an effective and in an efficient way.