Standard 5

Assessing Students for Learning

Portfolios and Rubrics

I believe the development of evaluations and assessments must involve the student. Portfolio assessments, in which the “student and teachers can see and reflect on progress over time”, and problem-solving projects in which “students are required to extend and re-conceptualize their knowledge in new contexts” are more in line with constructivists teaching which focus more on “understanding and interpretation”. (Zahorik 1995) The portfolio “promotes student initiative and demands self reflection…an engagement in a personal dialogue that contributes to deeper and more meaningful learning than commonly associated with paper and pencil assessments”. (Foote etc. 71) The rubric helps students understand expectations and provides a guide as they reflect on the different aspects of their performance. Rubistar.4teachers.org is a free site that allows teachers to create quality rubrics.

Citations:

Foote, Chandra, Paul J. Vermette, & Catherine Battaglia. (2001) Constructivist Strategies: Meeting Standards and Engaging Adolescent Minds. New York: Eye on Education, Inc. Retrieved from: DownloadZahorik, J. A. 1995. Constructivist Teaching. Reavis Collection no. 390. Bloomington, Ind.: Phi Delta Kappa Educational