Chapter 4: Performance-Based Learning
I like the quote at the beginning of the chapter, “The world we created today has problems which cannot be solved by thinking the way we thought when we created them (Diaz-Rico, p 69). This chapter acknowledges various forms of assessment which are just as valid as standardized “reliable” tests. The traditional views of the behaviorists do not work for all children. The fact that many adult students struggle with conventional tests shows once again, we all learn and express our skills differently. The cognitive, constructionist, and socialcultural hypothesis that instruction and assessment must be diverse and meaningful to students and that information must be presented at each child’s level of development is discussed. Portfolios, teacher/student generated rubrics and goal setting are all legitimate ways to assess student progress and achievement. Performance-based learning activities provide the teacher with information about the overall proficiency level of a student in a specific area of curriculum. The instructor designs the activity so that there is a link between the objectives, activities, and assessment. Task chains are the small units of instruction provided during the activity. These mini lessons are important for the EL student. I know my students require small chunks of information at a time. When too much is given they tune out. The challenge for educators is how to motivate and inspire our students without discouraging or frustrating them. This must be done to stem the high drop out rate for our English Language Learners.
This web site is a great resource. It not only offers tip about how to develop student digital portfolios, it also has many links to other educational sites from early childhood to college. and much more. http://educscape.com/tap/topic82.htm
Hayward mentioned the need for assessment including performance-based assessment. I agree that we need to monitor our student's progress continuously, but there are many ways to assess, some are more accurate than others. Because I work with younger students, I assess through observation and performance-based assessments. I also use photos, recordings and most importantly, portfolios.
ReplyDeleteKpowell, AKA 2busymom wrote, El student need to be assessed using a variety of methods. She breiefly described the the highlights of the chapter, how NCLB was written to assure that all students succeed. She also mentioned the reason TESOL standards were written, again to assure that all students are educated and assessed equally.
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