Assessment in the classroom is ongoing and should encompass a mixture of formal and informal practices. Variety is critical based on the diverse learning styles in your classroom.
If you are creating your own assessment tool there are 5 main principles to attempt to adhere to when creating an effective assessment.
WashbackCommonly known as feedback, however washback implies that the feedback goes both ways. Interaction with the students during informal assessments provides greater individual washback. With formals assessments attempt to give comments not just a grade.
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AuthenticityDoes the test match real world situation? If the tests is using natural language, is contextualized, interesting , relatable, and organized the test would be authentic.
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PracticalityClasses are only 72 minutes long and it is not practical to use all your time for testing, and marking. So the test should be something that as the teacher you can administer and evaluate somewhat efficiently
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ReliabilityA test that is reliable is a test that is consistent and dependable (Brown & Lee, p491). In the classroom establish a testing routine, and minimize any external distractions (fire alarm, hallway noise). Also keep in mind Scorer reliability. If you are fortunate to have a peer tutor consider that open ended responses may be marked differently by the peer tutor and you, so select sections that you may mark independently.
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ValidityIs the test measuring what you set out to test? Most tests will encompass a variety of skills in one (reading, writing, comprehension, verbal). When creating the test have a clear objective what you are assessing. Validity has 3 components to consider:
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