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For this reflections symbol I have chosen an empty book. This book represents the learning that I have to come. The first class allowed me to fill in the first few pages of my book of assessment, and I will continue to fill in the pages throughout this course and my professional career.
All of my symbols will be created using Canva.
Class One Reflection
Class One Reflection
Throughout the first class of the semester, I was able to form a better understanding of what assessment is. This class consisted of looking through the course syllabus and assessments, as well as encouraging deeper thought into what assessment is to us.
In the beginning of the class I was able to see the views of my peers through a Poll Guru activity. In this activity we were asked to look at some of our own views on assessment and who we are as teachers. I found this very insightful in gaining an understanding of who the people in our 'staff' are. I learned that everyone in this course is different and has unique experiences and beliefs to bring forward. This is very representative of a diverse staff in a school. I believe the diversity of this group will help to bring forward many different perspectives creating a rich learning experience.
During class time I worked through the Assessment of Assessment activity. This activity allowed me to look further into my own ideas around assessment and why it is so important in the classroom setting. Below I have included my responses to this activity. I feel that having these answers available to reflect on throughout the semester will allow me to see my personal growth in my understanding of assessment as well as how I will conduct assessments moving forward in my professional career.
Assessment of Assessment Answers
What is your full name? (first, last): Bridget Maloney
Hey Bridget Maloney, at what level are you planning to teach?: Elementary
Bridget Maloney, what do you think is your favorite subject to teach?: Mathematics
How important do you believe ASSESSMENT is in education?: 7
Yes
Describe what assessment and evaluation mean to you.: To me assessment and evaluation are practices that are used in the classroom to see where students are at in comprehension of the topic at hand. Assessments can be used as tools for teachers to check in with students and get a better idea of what the students needs to be successful, and what the next steps for learning should be. Using assessments and evaluations do not have to be tests or large assignments, they can come in many different forms, some of which students are unaware that they are being assessed.
At this point, how much are you enjoying this assessment?: Pretty good.
Why do you think assessment and evaluation are used within the education system?: Assessment and evaluation are used to keep a running record of student learning and achievement. I feel that using assessments for students helps to track their progress and learning throughout the school year. I also believe that assessments and evaluations provide a great amount of insight into the student's thinking, comprehension, and learning allowing teachers to create a more individualized learning plan for each student. Assessments also help teachers to pick out students who might need extra support but would not necessarily raise their hand in class to ask for it. Finally, I think assessments are a great way to keep parents in the know about their child's learning. It is difficult to share everything that is going on in the classroom with parents, so assessments are great check-points to share.
Describe a couple of good assessments, and not so good assessments, that you have experienced as a student. How did these assessments affect you?: As a student I have experienced a few different types of assessments that I did not feel were a great way to assess learning. As a student I often was required to write tests in my classes. Now, I do not think all tests are bad, but I do believe there are a time and place for them. I often was required to write tests that involved my opinions on class content, which I did not enjoy. In those moments I would find myself not having enough time or space to articulate my thoughts in a way that felt like my best work. A form of assessment that I much preferred was writing final essays or take-home assessments. These assessments allowed me to answer the important questions I was being asked in full, allowing me to really show what I knew. I also found I learned more in working through longer more in depth questions than memorizing content from a test. Another assessment I enjoyed was conferencing with my teachers. I feel that having one on one time with my teachers allowed me to share what I knew without much pressure and stress.
I also had the opportunity today to look into my own midset. In previous ncourses I have learned the importance of having a growth mindset, however I was never able to find out if I had one or not. After doing this quiz I realized that I have a "Strong Growth Mindset", which I think will be very helpful moving into my career. I also think that I will be able to use this to my advantage as I begin to enter the world of assessment. I think there is always room for more growth in this area and would love to take this quiz again at the end of this course to see if my score changes.
The final activity that I found beneficial was the multiple intelligence quiz. This quiz allowed me to look at my areas of strength and my areas that I could improve on, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of my colleagues. I had always thought of myself as Intrapersonal, so I am not surprised this is my highest category. However, I did consider myself as someone who enjoys nature, so I was surprised that this was my lowest category. Completing this quiz made me wonder if I were to complete a different quiz of the same type if my results would be the same.
I am looking forward to being able to come back to this reflection and see my progress in the field of assessment. I also feel that this reflection will help me as a move into my professional career as a way to look back on my own experiences of assessment and not lose sight of what it is like to be a student facing assessment. I have realized through this reflection that all of my feelings surrounding assessment are due to my own experiences as a student. I believe this is so important to keep in mind moving forward. Assessment is used to better the learning experience for our students, not to stress them out or hinder their ability to perform to their highest potential. In knowing this I will be able to perform assessment in a meaningful and productive way in my classroom.
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