Performance Based Assessment Essay

Assessment is an important key to student learning. Testing both what students know and are able to do serves as a compass that guides educators all over the world. Within the last fifteen year, there has been a shift in the world of assessments due to the attention from policy makers. This shift has not necessarily been beneficial for students or their teachers. Teachers have used the same standardized test styles to assess students and prepare them for test. However, many teachers have realized that this is not the best way for students to show evidence of their learning. Instead, Chappuis, Chappuis, and Stiggins(2009) suggest that the two necessary components of an assessment that fairly and accurately judges student knowledge are “quality

This type of assessment approach will provide teachers with the opportunity to see evidence of student learning and ability to apply their knowledge (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). By writing a speech or creating a campaign ad that persuades an audience, students will show they understand how to apply persuasive techniques in order to convince an audience. Both options also contain a persuasive writing piece that allows students to showcase their ability to write persuasively. A selected response, constructed response or process-focused assessment will not test students’ ability to apply the knowledge they have gained and therefore should not be used to assess this learning

Douglas Reeves (2007) believes “assessment is most productive when its purpose is for learning” (p.3). In both the performance based assessment and constructed response assessment students are able to demonstrate their and apply what they know. Throughout this process students are still learning. The goal of assessments should be to provide an opportunity for continued learning for students, and as a result the teacher is able to gather evidence of their learning. As a teacher, I have often seen assessments solely as a way to measure student learning. However, I think going forward it will better serve my students if I see assessments as a way to extend their learning. With that in mind, when planning I will need to stray away from traditional assessments that do not promote student learning and have not produced positive results. Instead, having the courage to try something new will help to better serves the learning needs of my students (Reeves, 2007, p. 9). Providing students with learning experiences through assessments is the best way to extend learning and understanding for students. If student learning is the true goal, assessments must be used as a way to help student learn