Reflection #2

When we only offer our students multiple choice answers on tests it does not allow them to use any form of creative or original thinking. They have only four answers to choose from to answer each question. Using this method of assessment allows for students to study the material and memorize what they think they will need to know. If a student memorizes information, it is stored in their short term memory for a small amount of time. Whereas if a student is required to do some form of task where there are many ways to find the right answer, or even form their own opinion on a topic and present it to others, the information is stored for a longer period of time and the student will be able to regurgitate it further down the line. As a teacher I would much rather give students an assignment that will allow them to be creative and them actually enjoy doing it. In my daily classroom I use such things as class discussion, in class worksheets, observations, quizzes, grades off judging classes, active participation, and forms of self-assessment as formative assessments. I also like to use summative assessments when I feel that we have reached a mile stone in the lesson or unit. So far I have yet to assign one of these beyond a unit/chapter test, but I do intend to have my students create a presentation over the insect orders in entomology. I also plan for my students in my land & soil class to write up a report on the classifications of land. I feel that it is important to have a combination of both formative and summative assessments because formative assignments address what the student learns on a daily basis, whilst summative covers a wider range of subject material over a much longer period of time. Students need to be evaluated based upon menial tasks as well as some the require them to maybe spend an extra thirty minutes studying or writing a paper. These types of assessments need to also stimulate students on a creative level. As I said above, I intend for my students to do some meaningful research and create both presentations, as well as reports over their assigned class topic. I would also like to somehow create a summative type assignment that correlates to the judging contests many of them will be attending. These grades would have to be based off of their scores as well as how well they applied the information they've been learning during the contests.