CHANGING ASSESSMENT PRACTICES

-

 CHANGING ASSESSMENT PRACTICES 

Changing assessment practices in education from behaviorism to constructivism reflects a shift from a focus on rote memorization and external rewards to a focus on student-centered learning and the development of higher-order thinking skills. Below is an explanation of this shift with examples tied to Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE), grading systems, and portfolio assessment.

 Behaviorism in Assessment

Behaviorism emphasizes observable and measurable behaviors. Traditional assessment practices under behaviorism include:

  • Standardized tests, multiple-choice questions, and recall-based assessments.
  • Emphasis on grades as rewards or punishments.
  • Learning objectives focused on surface-level knowledge acquisition.

Example:

A traditional math test may ask students to solve 20 multiplication problems in a timed setting. Success is measured by the number of correct answers, reinforcing speed and accuracy.

1. Constructivism in Assessment

Constructivism emphasizes active, student-centered learning where students construct knowledge through experiences, reflection, and collaboration. Assessment practices include:

  • Performance-based assessments.
  • Formative assessments aimed at understanding student progress.
  • Evaluations focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Example:

Instead of solving 20 multiplication problems, students might design a project where they apply multiplication to create a budget for a community event.

2. Role of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE)

Shift:

Under behaviorism, assessments are often summative and happen at the end of a learning cycle. CCE, influenced by constructivist principles, integrates formative and summative assessments throughout the academic year.

Key Features of CCE:

  • Continuous: Regular assessments that monitor student progress.
  • Comprehensive: Evaluation of cognitive, emotional, and social skills.

Example:

In CCE, a science unit on ecosystems might include:

  • Formative assessments: Group discussions, quizzes, and observations during activities.
  • Summative assessments: Creating a model of an ecosystem and explaining it to the class.

3. Grading Systems

Shift:

Behaviorism relies heavily on numerical grading and ranking systems. Constructivist approaches use grading systems to provide meaningful feedback.

Example:

  • Behaviorist Approach: A student scores 85% on a history test, with no explanation of errors or areas for improvement.
  • Constructivist Approach: A student receives feedback like, “Your analysis of the historical event is strong, but you could include more primary sources for evidence.”

4. Portfolio Assessment

Portfolios align with constructivist principles by showcasing a student’s progress, achievements, and reflections over time.

Example:

  • Behaviorist Approach: A final exam on literature where students answer pre-set questions.
  • Constructivist Approach: A portfolio with:
    • Essays and creative pieces.
    • Self-reflection on learning challenges and achievements.
    • Peer feedback on drafts.

Benefits of Constructivist Assessment Practices

  • Encourages deeper understanding and application of knowledge.
  • Promotes self-regulation and critical thinking.
  • Fosters collaboration and real-world problem-solving.

This transformation in assessment practices ensures that education is holistic and prepares students not just for exams but for lifelong learning.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WHAT IS ASSESSMENT?

-
                                           ASSESSMENT meaning: The word "assessment" has a fascinating history. It originates from the Old French word "assesser, " which means " to sit beside" or " to evaluate. " This Old French word is derived from the Latin words "ad" (meaning "to" or "toward") and "sedere" (meaning "to sit"). In the 14th century , the word "assessment" entered in the English language, initially referring to the act of sitting beside someone to evaluate or judge them. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the process of evaluating or estimating the value, quality, or extent of something. Today, the word "assessment" is widely used in various contexts , including education, healthcare, business, and government, to refer to the process of evaluating or measuring the quality, extent, or value of something.              ...
Read more

ROLE OF ASSESSMENT [FORMATIVE , SUMMATIVE AND SELF ASSESSMENT]

-
  ROLE OF ASSESSMENT [ Assessment for learning, Assessment as learning and Assessment of learning ] Assessment plays a critical role in the learning process by providing a structured way to evaluate, support, and enhance both teaching and learning.  Formative and summative assessments are two key types of assessment used in education to evaluate student learning and progress . They differ in purpose, timing, and usage. Formative Assessment [ Assessment for Learning ] Formative assessment is a continuous process aimed at monitoring and improving student learning during the instructional process . It helps teachers and students identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The focus is on feedback rather than grading.                                                          Characteristics of Formative Assessment Ongoing ...
Read more

PRINCIPLES OF ASSESSMENT

-
  PRINCIPLES OF ASSESSMENT Assessment is a critical component of education and training, serving as a cornerstone for measuring learning outcomes, guiding instruction, and promoting student growth. The principles of assessment provide a framework to ensure that assessments are effective, fair, and meaningful for all stakeholders. These principles emphasize key aspects such as validity, reliability, fairness, transparency, and practicability. A well-structured assessment fosters a deeper understanding of learners' progress and identifies areas for improvement. By understanding the principles teachers can create assessments that not only evaluate performance but also motivate and empower learners to achieve their full potential. Understanding these principles is essential for educators, trainers, and policymakers striving to implement impactful and equitable assessment. Important assessment principles are... 1. SELECTION OF METHODS - - It should be related to the objectives of instru...
Read more