MI Chapter 10

Chapter 10 covers assessment.  Basically, if we can allow students to learn in eight different ways or more, then why should we test them only one way?  Standardized test are great for logical/mathematical intelligences, but does not truly incorporate every type of learner. Designing different ways for each type of learner to show you they actually understand content and didn’t just memorize it for a test is when true learning takes place.  I feel like teachers have been teaching “How to Take a Standardized Test” for far too long.  What good is it to a student when they need certain skills later in life, but forgot them because they didn’t have a full understanding and only memorized specific answers just to pass the test.  So, observe your students and see them exhibit signs of what type of learner they are.  We can definitely assess eight or more different ways if we know students learn eight or more different ways.  When I have my own classroom I will ensure my students that they will not be left behind and that I will always teach to their needs and not mine.  Also, I like the idea of keeping a journal or folder of student work so that I know what each of my students need to learn and what type of work they are capable of.  I think its something all teachers should do with every student they.  Collaborating with colleagues to build a file or journal for a student for each class or grade level can show the growth of a student over their academic career.  These are also good because parents love this type of assessment rather than just a letter grade.  Showing evidence that you care about the success of their child and the advancement of their knowledge over the years would make any parent happy.