Assessment Methods for Math and Science

 

     Let's Talk About Assessment Methods
for Math and Science!

     In Math and Science, tests are the way to
assess the students' competency!  It's important
to determine what they already know and how well they
know it, so the teacher will know what they need
to learn.  Testing measures this!

     In Math and Science, using professionally
prepared tests that come as supplements to the
texts is the way to go!  Again, I don't believe
in re-inventing the wheel.  The experts have
put in the time and effort to design more
effective texts than the teacher could on 
a weekly basis while busy with the
task of teaching a full load of classes.

     By keeping his busywork to a minimum, the
teacher can devote his time and energies to
analyzing class and student needs and addressing
them.  Using fill-in bubble test sheets is not
dehumanizing.  It is efficient and LIBERATING!

     In Math and Science Standardized Tests
are accurate, efficient and effective methods
of determining student proficiency.

     The Beauty of these tests is that they
are both OBJECTIVE and STANDARDIZED.

     OBJECTIVE means that the grader's subjective
feelings or evaluations will not affect the
score.  Everyone will will be graded fairly.

     STANDARDIZED means that everyone will receive
the same test, will be measured by the same standard,
the same yardstick or meterstick, if you will.


     Obviously, in literature and drama
and performing arts classes, the situation
is just the opposite.  Like figure skating
competitions, the scores are based on the
subjective evaluations of individual judges.

     Personally, I would have given the nod
to Elena and Anton because of the positive,
sportsmanlike, diplomatic glow in Anton's eyes
and expression.  But Jamie and David are
equally great skaters and representatives
for the sport, and any differences between
the two couples are negligible.  Here's a
perfect example of the inherent subjectivity in
grading systems.

     Social Studies and English and ESL
classes fall somewhere in between.  Certain
knowledge can be measured objectively by
standardized tests.  Other knowledge and
skills require the evaluation of an
individual human.  Does the student really
understand the relative importance of 
different historical events and trends,
or are they just reciting facts?  Is a
persons writing or speech really persuasive?
Is it clear and effective and logical?
Does it have impact?  Does the ESL student
express him/herself well verbally?  
Standardized tests cannot evaluate these
things.

     As a former judge of singing contests,
I know the difficulty and subjectivity
involved in assigning a number grade and
a relative ranking to self-expressive
skills that are really art forms.  It 
is a shame that society requires us to
grade these things.  Would you want your
significant other to grade the affection
you display to him/her, the hugs and
kisses?  But we must grade the speaker
in the English class, the debater in the
history class, the singer, the dancer,
the ESL student's listening and speaking
abilities.  I give no easy answer.
There are standards, but a lot is subjective.

     That is why I appreciate the use
of standardized tests in Math in Science
where there use is appropriate and 
effective and energy saving!

     Research skills, the ability to complete
a large project, and teamwork skills
also need to be considered.  These evaluations
can be combined with testing results
in a single grade, or these skills
can be evaluated separately.

 
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