Although it is important to assess student learning after a lesson, finding ways to do so without having them take a test may be a more appropriate method of assessment at times. Students also will enjoy other types of projects and assessment methods that take away the pressure of a testing situation. Many students simply do not do well on tests, regardless of how well they learned the material, and an alternative form of assessment may help them demonstrate their knowledge more appropriately.
Poster Project
After having finished a lesson or unit, one excellent method of assessing student knowledge is to have the students make a poster. With some basic art supplies and either poster boards or large sheets of paper, students can have the opportunity to create a visual display detailing some aspect of the lesson.
Depending on the unit, you can set various limitations to the poster, such as listing at least 5 facts learned. Not only is this a great method for assessing student knowledge, but it provides a great display for outside the classroom.
Writing Portfolio
Writing class can be a difficult class to create a test for assessment purposes. Having students create a writing portfolio throughout the school year can be an excellent assessment method. For each unit or new lesson you teach, students must pick one finished piece of work to include in their portfolio. These pieces must obviously be graded individually based on a rubric, but the finished portfolio at the end of the year will be a great way to show parents the improvement in the student’s writing abilities over the course of the school year.
Class Presentation
One way to have your students demonstrate their level of knowledge learned through a unit is to have them prepare a presentation to give to the class. This can either be done individually, or as a group. Explain this assessment method at the beginning of the unit, so that students know what to expect.
Allow preparation time and ample explanation for your expectations throughout the unit as well. Your grade for this type of assessment should be a rubric that each student has provided to them from the beginning. You can grade on accuracy of information presented, as well as other things such as team work, participation and creativity.
Instead of relying on tests for assessing student knowledge, consider other ideas such as posters, projects and presentations. There are endless possibilities, so think carefully about what assessment would be the most appropriate given the information you want your students to learn. Varying your assessment methods will keep your students engaged and will provide varied opportunities for student success.
You may be interested in other lesson planning tips.
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