Projects are the 'Bread and Butter' of CTE and our programs. Projects should always be tied to at least one task in the Performance Assessment Log (PAL - task list). This ensures that whatever evidence you have at the end of a project, it is aligned to a task. See PAL alignment ->
Always think backwards - What is the end result of the project? Do you want them to install a toilet? Do you want them to develop a brochure? Do you want them to wire a 3-way switch?
Determine what you want them to make or do. Be specific with the end goal.
What will the students need to complete the project? The project should drive the learning process. What materials, demonstrations, and lectures do we need to get them to complete the project? Build the learning experiences AROUND the project.
How are you going to grade them? Rubric, checklist? List out all of the steps or components of the project that the students will have to complete in order to finish the project. Click here for more on Rubrics and Checklists ->
Never enough detail. When writing out the steps of the project, include as much detail as you can. You do not want to skip crucial steps to the project because that creates confusion and you do not want to edit your assessment in the middle of the project. In addition, you may want to include additional detail for diverse learners.
The project instructions should be the same as the rubric or checklist criteria. If the instructions mirror the checklist or rubric, students will have no doing well when it comes time for assessment.
Bounce the project off a colleague. Show them the rubric and instructions. They may be able to pick up errors before you give it out.
Student Choice & Equity - If and when possible, allow students some input to the project requirements. This makes space for their interests and backgrounds.
For example: When working on a culinary project, allow students to work with an ingredient of their choosing. Or, ask them to bring in a family recipe to make for the class. Poll the class on certain specifics of the project.
Online Checklist - https://www.checkli.com/
PBL checklist maker - http://pblchecklist.4teachers.org/checklist.shtml
Rubric Generator - http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php
Tests and Quizzes are a great way to gauge student knowledge, retainment of vocabulary and concepts. It is also another way allowing students to demonstrate what they've learned either over a short period of time or an extended period of time. But, the quality of quizzes and tests can either inspire students to do better, or lower their esteem in your class. Below are strategies to ensure that your tests are fair, equitable, timely, and accurate.
Test them on what was taught. This cannot be over-stated. Make sure that whatever questions are on your quiz or test were explicitly discuss in class.
Use Industry-Specific Vocabulary. Vocabulary is the key to standardized testing and being successful on the job and in interviews. Students who retain vocabulary and can use it in context will do much better in concept and procedure retention.
Check for spelling and grammar errors. Check, double-check, re-check again. Read your questions aloud to ensure that they are asking the correct thing. Nothing delates student engagement more than incorrect questions on tests.
Be clear with your language. Don't use double negatives, vague descriptions, or misleading phrases. You're not testing them on their ability to decipher trick questions. You want to determine if they are understanding and remembering the content.
Have the students write their own questions. As an instructional strategy, ask students to write a multiple choice question for a Do Now, Exit Ticket, or Reflection. Collect the questions and use them in a test or quiz. Students will definitely respond to seeing their own question on a quiz or test.
Use diagrams and/or visuals as reference on a quiz or test. Sometimes students need visual queues to remember or understand content. Seeing these on a test can help them with accessing those learning experiences.
Don't make it too long. Quality is better than quantity in regards to quizzes and tests. Quizzes should not be longer than 12 questions and tests shouldn't be over 30 or 40 questions. Many students have test-anxiety and it's not a good idea to barrage them with large numbers of questions. We want to see if they are learning, not how many questions they can answer.
kahoot.it - Website where you can create slide decks and quizzes!
Socrative.com - Quiz website where teachers can create online quizzes that is aligned to a standard.
Google forms - Use it as a quick way to make a quiz or test.