Assessing: Chapter 2

Abstract:
This chapter focused on how to identify if a student has "mastered" a topic by the six facets of true understanding (set forth by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins).

1) Explanation
2) Interpretation
3) Application
4) Perspective
5) Empathy
6) Self-Knowledge

The idea is that once the student has shown proficiency in the above categories, it is only then that they have truly "mastered" the subject (they know the content, as well as understand it and can apply it). Some ways for the teacher to check proficiency are quizzes, portfolios, models, demonstrations, essays, media projects, and more.


Reflection:
Chrissy noted that it could be difficult developing one set of ways to evaluate the students because one student's best work could be outstanding where as another's best work could be considered mediocre, even though they both performed to the best of their ability. Meredith and John both commented on the part that discusses the difference between truly understanding a concept and just memorizing the facts. Everyone recognized that evaluating students' mastery of a topic can be difficult but also that it is essential in order for the students to progress. Leigh was glad to see that there are more and more ways being developed to properly assess learning because at her previous school some of the teachers would just pile on work and grade but not really do much to assess.