Testing and Assessment/Classroom-based Assessment

Brown chapters 23 and 24 discusses testing and assessment. They give an overview of different aspects of tests and testing. Some examples of these are practicality, reliability, validity, authenticity, and washback. All of these factors must be taken into account when writing a test. In order to construct a good test, it must test what it is supposed to test, have an authentic purpose, and not result in negative washback. In chapter 24, Brown talks about classroom-based assessment. There are many different things to take into account for this topic as well. Specifically, there are many alternative assessment techniques that can be used besides tests. Some of these include portfolios, journals, presentations, papers, conferences, and observations. Some students do not achieve to their highest potential on regular achievement tests, and that is why teachers need to be aware and come up with different forms of assessment in the classroom. Every student should be provided with the ability to succeed.

One big debate in the teaching field revolves around standardized testing. There are many teachers who believe it should be completely taken out of the education system. Because of all of the negative washback effects, this makes sense. However, there are good reasons for testing as well. It gives the schools a good idea of the achievement level of all of their students. I do believe, however that traditional testing should not be used as widely as it is in the classroom setting. When I look back on my years of public schooling, I remember very little of what I was tested on. Many of the classroom tests I took, specifically in junior high and high school, were tests that I studied for, got a good grade, and then forgot the majority of the information. The subjects and topics that I remember the most are the ones by which I was informally or alternatively assessed. For example, presentations or journals or field trips taught me much more than the traditional test. While I understand that in some contexts, achievement tests cannot be avoided, I still think that they are not very useful. When I was homeschooled, my mom rarely administered official achievement test to me upon completion of a unit. Instead, she employed methods such as journaling and portfolios to assess how much I was learning. I remember so much of what my mom taught me during those elementary and early junior high years, and I believe that it’s because she used meaningful techniques in her teaching. As a future teacher, I plan to employ alternative assessment techniques in my classroom as much as I am able.

Is there a place for achievement tests and formal assessment at all? Or are they tools that should be employed on occasion? How do students learn best?