Thing #12 - Assessment and Evaluation

Google Forms

Below is a screen shot of a survey that I put together for my 6th grade computer class. It was very easy to design using a Google Docs application called Google Forms. To view or take the survey, please click on screen shot or the link below:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHJIN1gwWXBRcDYtRm84bEV0M28zTVE6MQ

Below is a screen shot of my Google Form results. Other than the fact that for some reason the filter at my school blocks the Google Form from opening, using Google Forms was very simple to generate a survey. I am glad that I learned about Google Forms and am excited about using it again the Lord willing in the future.

Rubistar

My 8th grade Bible class has been studying the life of king David. One of the projects that I have used in past years to bring closure to our study was to have my students make a timeline poster. I would verbally inform them of my expectations, but did not have an objective way to grade them. Then I learned about Rubistar. After putting together the rubric shown below, I gave each of my students a copy. Several of them gave me the impression that they had not seen a rubric before and consequently needed an explanation of how it worked. At any rate, the rubric was a helpful way to inform my students of my expectations for their project.

The rubric shown and described above was a helpful tool for both my students and myself. It benefited my students by helping them understand and work towards my expectations for their poster project. I was impressed with the work they did and am happy to say that many of the timeline posters turned out better than what students had done in past classes. The rubric will also help me with assigning a grade to the posters. This tool will allow me to be more objective and efficient during the grading process. Furthermore, the rubric will help students better understand how their grade was calculated. I am impressed with Rubistar and look forward to using it again on other projects and assignments.



Data Tools PowerPoint

The data tools PowerPoint provided a helpful summary of the available performance records that are currently being made available to teachers.  Although I currently am made aware of my students' performance on standardized tests by looking at their cumulative file, I am not aware that I personally have access to any of the data tools that were presented in the "Data Tools PowerPoint". The value of providing teachers access to data tools such as student information systems is that teachers can be better informed of the strengths and weaknesses of their students and consequently can instruct accordingly to boost performance in areas where there are deficiencies. With these tools, teachers can also quickly visualize trends in individual or class performance. Since students' performance records are confidential, it is important that teachers are familiar with and abide by FERPA and HIPAA guidelines. Students' records need to be kept confidential and consequently the availability of data tools to teachers places them under an important responsibility to use the information they receive in an appropriate manner.




Content Standards:

Aligned to NETS-T: 2.a, 2.d, 3.a, 3.d, 5.c

Connections to Marzano Strategies: Reinforce Effort and Provide Recognition; Objectives and Feedback