Using Projects/Activities to Assess Our Students

As teachers it is our responsibility to our students to make learning fun, engaging, and goal oriented. As more and more districts are moving towards a Mastery approach to learning; how can we assess our students in ways that meet the criteria set for both state and federal mandates; while still keeping the integrity of our classrooms? Being a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, specifically Family and Consumer Sciences; Problem-Based or Project-Based Assessments are commonplace in our classrooms. If we are able to provide our students authentic scenarios or problems that they would encounter in the real world- we can assess their mastery attainment just as well (if not better) than a standardized, multiple choice-like exam. Not to mention, Project-Based Learning is a great way to motivate students!

So what is Project Based Learning?

And how will I know if it is appropriate to use it in my classroom?

Below are the"6 A's of Project-based Learning" taken from the 1997 book Real Learning, Real Work: School-to-Work as High School Reform by Adria Steinberg

*I suggest to try and meet at least 4 of the 6 A's. This will help provide rationale behind your project.

THE 6 A's of PROJECT BASED LEARNING

Authenticity

Is this project based on a problem or question that is meaningful to the student?

Is the problem of question one that an adult might tackle at work or in the community?

Does this project provide the student with opportunities to produce something that has personal an/or social value beyond the school?

Academic Rigor

Does this project cause the student to acquire and apply knowledge related to one or more disciplines or content areas?

Does this project challenge the student to use research methods from one or more disciplines? (Ex. Does it cause them to think like a scientist, like a caterer, daycare provider, use applied math, etc.)

Does the student develop higher-order thinking skills? (Ex. does it cause them to search for evidence or seek a different perspective?)

Applied Learning

Does the student solve (e.g. design a product, improve a system of organize an event) a problem that is grounded in life and work?

Does the project require organizational skills and self-management?

Does this project cause the student to learn and use skills (such as problem-solving, communication, technology and teamwork) that are expected in the workplace?

Active Exploration

Does the student spend a significant amount of time doing field-based work?

Does the project require the student to use various methods, media and sources to conduct an investigation?

Is the student expected to make a presentation to explain what he or she has learned?

Adult Relationships

Does the student meet and observe an adult who has relevant expertise and experience?

Does the student work closely with - and get to know - at least one adult?

Do adults collaborate with each other and with students on the design and assessment of projects?

Assessment

Does the student use project criteria (that they helped establish) to gauge what they are learning?

Do adults from outside the classroom help the student develop a sense of real-world standards?

Is the student's work assesses regularly through methods such as exhibitions and portfolios?

GENERAL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT THE PROJECT YOU WISH TO IMPLEMENT

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS PROJECT?

WHAT WILL MY STUDENT GAIN FROM COMPLETING IT?

CAN THIS PROJECT BE APPLIED TO THE 'REAL WORLD'?

CAN I USE THE FINISHED PROJECT TO ASSESS MY STUDENT'S LEARNING?

So, know that we know the rationale and reasoning behind Project-Based Learning, now I will show you an example of a Project-Based Assessment I use in my Independent Living Class...

For my Semester 1 Final in Independent Living, we have just focused on Budgeting, Apartment Hunting, Writing Checks, Communication Skills, and various other topics relating to Living on Your Own.

I give each group of three a folder with various Items in it. It is their job to complete all the items in their folder for their Final!

*I also have Individual Projects, and Partner Projects (so students can choose which one they want to complete), but for this blog I'll only focus on the 3-person group project.*

WHAT IS IN THE FOLDER?

At the end of the day, this type of project might take more effort to put together than a traditional multiple choice test. However, when you see the students motivated to interact like actual roommates by trying to navigate the muddy waters of budgeting, paying bills, and agreeing on how the apartment will run; you realize that students have gained more than Mastery of the content. These Project-Based Assessments provide a chance to practice these life-skills in a risk-free and supportive environment!

How do you incorporate Project-Based Assessments in your classroom?

P.S. If you really want engagement on PowerPoints, or Slides Presentations- Insert GIFs and/or Memes.

Seriously.

Students love them!