EDU405 Handouts by VUBuddy

Topic 1

Purpose and basic terms:

1. Purpose: To judge some process or product with the aim of making improvements. Here the purpose is to judge teaching and learning so that improvements can be made for future.

2. Basic terms:

i. Measurement: refers to dimensions/quality/weight. For example, measuring a box, weighing it. ii. Testing: Process of judging something. For example, testing your ability, testing blood sample. iii. Assessment: is a broader term and includes measurement and testing also; it is usually with reference to some goals. For examples, your assessments, or of some organization. iv. Evaluation: is a complex process and more broader term including measurement and testing and assessment, engaging with some other processes of making comparisons; its results enable you to make decisions for changes. For example, change of course outline or materials.

Topic 2

What is Classroom Assessment?

Definition-1:

Assessment is the systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving student learning and development. (Palomba & Banta, 1999)

Definition-2:

Assessment is the process of gathering and discussing information from multiple and diverse sources in order to develop an understanding of what students know and understand; the process culminates when assessment results are used to improve subsequent learning. (Huba & Freed, 2000)

In short, the main points in these definitions are:

Process of gathering information Multiple sources Develop and understand

Topic 3

Emerging points from these definitions:

1. Assessment is a systematic process: certain circumstances, goals and planning must be keep in mind while assessment. Nothing can take place haphazardly. See the image below:

3. Information is gathered from different sources:

There are many sources to get information about the students like homework, exam papers, class test, projects etc.

4. Judgment:

We gather all the information for judgment about what has yet achieved and what is still missing. Making such judgments is the essential part of process of improvement.

5. About a process or product:

Now this judgment is made for the assessment about a process or product. All the classroom activities and learning are a process and the knowledge gained by the students and a competent student is the product.

6. Improvement:

These judgments are made for improvement in the process and the product. Assessment is just like a bridge that is connecting behind as well as the future of the students.