MILAGRO STATE UNIVERSITY
MASTER’S PROGRAM IN TEACHING
ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN
LANGUAGE
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY
#2
Due date: Oct. 13, 2024
2024 - 2025
Individual Activity 1
Program Master’s program in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Module: Assessment
Name: KERLY MARIA CABRERA SALAVARRIA
Provide a clear overview of the principles that guide effective formative
Objective:
assessment.
For this task, you need to answer the following questions:
1. -How do you ensure that your assessment practices accompany the different
assessment principles? (Practicality, validity, washback, authenticity and
reliability)
2.- Can you describe how you use a variety of assessment methods to engage
students and cater to different learning styles, reflecting the principle of varied
assessment methods?
Part 1: Answer the Question
1. Begin by carefully reading the question presented.
Structure:
2. Craft well-structured responses that directly address the questions.
• Start with a clear and concise introduction.
• Provide thoughtful and comprehensive answers.
• Use specific examples or scenarios, if applicable, to illustrate your
points. You need to cite at least 2 different sources in both answers.
• Ensure that your responses demonstrate your understanding of
formative assessment principles.
• Conclude your answers with a concise summary of your main points.
3. Proofread and edit your answers for clarity and accuracy.
1. -How do you ensure that your assessment practices accompany the different
assessment principles? (Practicality, validity, washback, authenticity and reliability)
Introduction
In the field of education, assessment practices play a pivotal role in shaping the
learning experience. To optimize these practices, it is essential to align them with key
assessment principles: practicality, validity, washback, authenticity, and reliability. This
response will explore how these principles can be integrated into assessment
practices, with examples and references to relevant literature.
Practicality
Practicality focuses on the ease and feasibility of implementing assessments within the
educational context. Assessments should be designed to fit the time constraints and
resources available. For example, using online quizzes can save time on grading and
provide instant feedback to students, facilitating a more efficient assessment process.
As noted by Nieveen and Plomp (2007), assessments must be designed with the
educational context in mind to ensure they are workable for teachers and students
alike.
Validity
Validity ensures that an assessment accurately measures what it is intended to
measure. To enhance validity, assessments should directly align with learning
objectives. For instance, if the goal is to develop writing skills, assessments should
require students to produce original written work rather than merely answer multiple-
choice questions. According to Crooks (1988), valid assessments should assess both
the content knowledge and the skills necessary for students to succeed in real-world
applications.
Washback
Washback refers to the impact that assessments have on teaching and learning
practices. Positive washback occurs when assessments motivate and guide effective
teaching strategies. For instance, formative assessments, such as quizzes and peer
reviews, can encourage active learning and provide opportunities for immediate
feedback. Black and Wiliam (1998) emphasize that formative assessments create a
dynamic classroom environment where students feel supported in their learning
journey.
Authenticity
Authenticity involves creating assessments that reflect real-world tasks and contexts.
Authentic assessments, such as project-based learning or portfolio assessments, allow
students to demonstrate their knowledge in meaningful ways. For example, in a social
studies class, students might engage in a simulation of a historical event, requiring
them to apply their knowledge creatively. Wiggins (1990) asserts that authentic
assessments not only measure knowledge but also engage students in higher-order
thinking and problem-solving.
Reliability
Reliability refers to the consistency and dependability of assessment results. To
enhance reliability, educators should utilize multiple assessment methods and scoring
rubrics. For example, combining written tests with performance tasks and using
detailed rubrics can help ensure that assessments yield consistent results across
different contexts. As noted by Brookhart (2003), a clear rubric can help standardize
grading, reducing subjectivity and increasing the reliability of assessments.
Conclusion
Incorporating the principles of practicality, validity, washback, authenticity, and
reliability into assessment practices is crucial for enhancing educational outcomes. By
designing assessments that are manageable, closely aligned with learning objectives,
positively influence instruction, reflect real-life applications, and yield consistent results,
educators can foster a more effective learning environment. The integration of these
principles not only improves assessment quality but also enriches the overall
educational experience for students.
References
1. Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. *Assessment in
Education: Principles, Policy & Practice*, 5(1), 7-74.
2. Brookhart, S. M. (2003). Assessing Student Performance: Exploring the Meaning of
Effective Assessment. *Pearson Education*.
3. Crooks, T. J. (1988). The impact of classroom evaluation practices on students.
*Review of Educational Research*, 58(4), 438-481.
4. Nieveen, N., & Plomp, T. (2007). An introduction to educational design research. In
N. Nieveen & T. Plomp (Eds.), *Educational Design Research* (pp. 1-12). Netherlands:
SLO.
5. Wiggins, G. (1990). The Meaning of Authentic Assessment. *Educational
Leadership*, 48(8), 8-12.
2.- Can you describe how you use a variety of assessment methods to engage
students and cater to different learning styles, reflecting the principle of varied
assessment methods?
Introduction
In today's diverse educational landscape, employing a variety of assessment methods
is essential to engage students and address their differing learning styles. By
incorporating multiple assessment formats, educators can create a more inclusive
environment that fosters participation and understanding. This response will explore
various assessment methods and their effectiveness in catering to diverse learners,
supported by relevant examples and literature.
Engaging Students Through Varied Assessment Methods
Using a range of assessment methods helps to engage students by tapping into their
unique strengths and preferences. For instance, combining traditional assessments,
such as quizzes and exams, with alternative methods like projects, presentations, and
peer evaluations caters to different learning styles. According to Gardner's Multiple
Intelligences theory (1993), students learn in varied ways—some may excel in verbal-
linguistic tasks, while others may thrive in visual-spatial or kinesthetic activities.
For example, in a literature class, while some students might express their
understanding through written essays, others could create visual storyboards or
perform dramatic readings. This variety not only motivates students but also allows
them to demonstrate their knowledge in ways that resonate with them personally. As
noted by Stiggins (2005), providing options in assessments enhances student
engagement and ownership of their learning.
Catering to Different Learning Styles
To effectively address various learning styles, assessments can be designed to include
both formative and summative approaches. Formative assessments, such as quizzes,
peer feedback, and reflective journals, provide ongoing opportunities for students to
demonstrate learning and receive feedback. For instance, a science teacher might use
hands-on experiments as formative assessments, allowing kinesthetic learners to
engage actively with the material while also assessing their understanding of scientific
concepts.
In contrast, summative assessments can be diversified through projects and portfolios.
A history class might culminate in a project where students can choose to create a
documentary, write a research paper, or design a digital presentation on a historical
event. This flexibility supports diverse learning preferences and encourages creativity
(Tomlinson, 2001).
Importance of Feedback and Reflection
Incorporating varied assessment methods also allows for rich feedback and
opportunities for reflection. Formative assessments provide immediate insights into
student understanding, enabling teachers to adjust their instruction accordingly. For
instance, if a significant number of students struggle with a particular concept in a quiz,
the teacher can provide additional resources or alternative activities to reinforce that
content. According to Black and Wiliam (1998), formative assessments play a crucial
role in improving student learning outcomes by fostering an adaptive learning
environment.
Conclusion
Utilizing a variety of assessment methods is vital for engaging students and
accommodating different learning styles. By incorporating both formative and
summative assessments, educators can create a dynamic and inclusive classroom
environment. This approach not only motivates students but also allows them to
demonstrate their understanding in ways that align with their individual strengths.
Ultimately, varied assessment practices enhance learning outcomes and empower
students to take charge of their educational journey.
References
1. Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. *Assessment in
Education: Principles, Policy & Practice*, 5(1), 7-74.
2. Gardner, H. (1993). *Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice*. Basic Books.
3. Stiggins, R. J. (2005). Student-Involved Assessment FOR Learning. *Pearson
Education*.
4. Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). *How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability
Classrooms*. ASCD.
Recommendations:
To get full credit for this activity you may want to consider the following recommendations:
1. Be respectful and constructive in your response
2. Use clear and concise language.
3. Reference specific principles of formative assessment.
4. Ensure that your comments are well-organized and easy to follow.
5. Be open to further discussions or questions from your classmates about your own
intervention and comments.
EVALUATION RUBRIC
CRITERIA EXCELLENT GOOD ACCEPTABLE
7.5 POINTS 5 POINTS 2 POINTS
Score 30 20 8
Demonstrates exceptional Demonstrates higher- There are no references
insight with two supporting than-average insight in any of the two
references in both with only one answers.
Answer answers. supporting reference
in the answers. States position but does
Clearly states a position not provide a strong
and provides an excellent States position but supportive rationale.
rationale. does not consistently
provide a strong Writes a minimum of
Writes a minimum of 100 supportive rationale. 50 words and a
words and a maximum of maximum of 74 words
150 words in every Writes a minimum of in every answer.
answer. 75 words and a
maximum of 99 words
in every answer.
Grammar, Usage Virtually no spelling, Few spelling and A number of spelling,
& Mechanics punctuation, or punctuation errors, punctuation or
grammatical errors minor grammatical grammatical errors
errors
Organization All paragraphs have clear Most paragraphs have Some paragraphs have
ideas, are supported with clear ideas, are clear ideas, support
Paragraphs examples, and have supported with some from examples may be
smooth transitions examples, and have missing and transitions
transitions. are weak
Content Exceptionally well- Well-presented and Content is sound and
presented and argued; argued; ideas are solid; ideas are present
ideas are detailed, well- detailed, developed, but not particularly
developed, and supported and supported with developed or
with specific evidence & evidence and details, supported; some
facts, as well as examples mostly specific. evidence, but usually of
and specific details. a generalized nature
