A Performance of Understanding

(according to Howard Gardner)

In a performance of understanding, the student (exam taker) produces a video or an animated performance to demonstrate understanding of the topic.  Rather than simply answer short questions, a broad question is given and the student tries to discuss various sides of the issue.  A typical version of the Performance of Understanding is the Essay Question.  Since it is difficult to find a system of grading an essay "objectively," many courses resort to multiple choice and short answer questions to test the knowledge that the student has accumulated.

The questions in this exam are put in the first column.  The boxes in the middle are space for the listener to write key words that the student uses.  The listener (evaluator) then tries to link the key words used by the student with the key words that we are looking for "The Target Words" in the third column.

The more connections, the more points.  If there are fewer than 10 connections, the performance is unsatisfactory and the word "Please try again after reviewing the materials" are circled.  If the performance shows at least 10 connections to the target words, then the performance shows adequate or substantial understanding, and the appropriate word is circled.

Visual and Active Teacher Training: What is Edu-Tainment?

EXAMINER:  Read the questions to the exam taker.  The student should not see this page.    You can show the student the page after you are finished with the exam.  While you listen to the student, write the key words in the center column.  After the performance of understanding, draw lines to connect the key words to the TARGET WORDS (if a link can be made)

QUESTION                                                             

1. What is Edu-tainment? outside the textbook (35 points)

 TARGET WORDS                             

graphs       pictures      visual      active        movies

listen to the student     relevant

connect to the student's life     skills

connect the curriculum to their interests

use technology to bring in new ideas

2. How would you deliver your lesson?   points: 25

TARGET WORDS

colors      audio     songs    movie clips

don't show the whole movie, just clips

lead a discussion       avoid just reading

show and tell          look for connections 

3. How do you handle kids who are talking in class or not paying attention?  POINTS: 30 

TARGET WORDS

find out what is interesting to them

keep the kids engaged              most kids who act out are bored

convert the object of attention to the lesson

4.  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation did a study to find out why students drop out of high school.   Which of the following is or are the leading reason(s) given by students who have dropped out?

a)  the student's need for money (and to get a job)

b)  illness

c)  the family's need for money

d)  fear of other students (lack of security) 10 points