Assessment based Instruction
Assessment-based Instruction
Aliya T. Diaab
AET/535
May 23, 2013
Dr. Sara Barry
Assessment-based Instruction
The intent of this paper is to discuss assessment based instruction, how it has changed over the last 20 years, how it has improved instruction, and what may be the anticipated challenges using this type of instruction in future goals. In order to be able to analyze this type of instruction there is a need to define it first. The best way to define this type of instruction is to break it down so there is a clear understanding. Assessment refers to different strategies or tests that consider whether a student is learning and achieved the goals set out by the curriculum (Assessment of Learning, N.D.). Merriam-Webster (2013) defines instruction as “the action, practice, or profession of teaching”. So if the two are combined the definition of assessment based instruction is teaching based on tests, quizzes, and different forms of assessments to describe whether a student is learning that material. This is a fairly new process.
With assessment-based instruction being new, the question is then raised what type of instruction was being used for students in years past. Rote memorization was the primary source for what was thought to be learning. Rote learning is nothing more than students “learning” material through repetition and memorization (The Free Dictionary, 2013).Through rote memorization it was found that students were not really learning the material but rather memorizing it without a clear understanding of what it is they were being taught. Because of this schools moved into assessment based learning. This is not one test given at the end of the year but rather several different assessments of the course of the instruction. These assessments are not necessarily written tests. They can be hands on assessments, oral assessment, observations, etc. The instruction will begin with an assessment at the beginning of instruction to get a clear
Aliya T. Diaab
AET/535
May 23, 2013
Dr. Sara Barry
Assessment-based Instruction
The intent of this paper is to discuss assessment based instruction, how it has changed over the last 20 years, how it has improved instruction, and what may be the anticipated challenges using this type of instruction in future goals. In order to be able to analyze this type of instruction there is a need to define it first. The best way to define this type of instruction is to break it down so there is a clear understanding. Assessment refers to different strategies or tests that consider whether a student is learning and achieved the goals set out by the curriculum (Assessment of Learning, N.D.). Merriam-Webster (2013) defines instruction as “the action, practice, or profession of teaching”. So if the two are combined the definition of assessment based instruction is teaching based on tests, quizzes, and different forms of assessments to describe whether a student is learning that material. This is a fairly new process.
With assessment-based instruction being new, the question is then raised what type of instruction was being used for students in years past. Rote memorization was the primary source for what was thought to be learning. Rote learning is nothing more than students “learning” material through repetition and memorization (The Free Dictionary, 2013).Through rote memorization it was found that students were not really learning the material but rather memorizing it without a clear understanding of what it is they were being taught. Because of this schools moved into assessment based learning. This is not one test given at the end of the year but rather several different assessments of the course of the instruction. These assessments are not necessarily written tests. They can be hands on assessments, oral assessment, observations, etc. The instruction will begin with an assessment at the beginning of instruction to get a clear
References: Assessment of Learning. (N.D.). What is assessment of learning? Retrieved from http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/assess/wncp/ch5.pdf Huffington Post (March, 2011) Rote memorization: Overrated or underrated. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/justin-snider/rote-memorization-testing_b_817170.html Merriam-Webster. (2013). Definition of instruction. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instruction The Free Dictionary. (2013). Rote Learning. Retrieved from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Rote+memory Virginia.edu (N.D.) Using assessment to drive instruction. Retrieved from http://people.virginia.edu/~cat3y/presentations/ASCD09/RexOrlandoBreakouts/AssessFL.pdf