6: Assessment

6(e) The teacher engages learners in multiple ways of demonstrating knowledge and skill as part of the
assessment process.

While in the course Educational Psychology, I had the opportunity to apply many
of the theories and ideas regarding assessment I
learned in the classroom. After observing my
cooperating teacher in a classroom and analyzing several formal assessments, I was able to
develop my own form of assessment. Using
Piagets theory regarding the developmental
stages and Vygotskys theory concerning the
skilled other/learner approach, where the two
become a team in learning, I was able to develop a classroom activity that would serve as a
summative assessment.
The project would be appropriate for an

Graph of the washer method based on

the measurements of a section of the
wooden bead.

advanced calculus class. The students would

find the volume of an inch diameter wooden
bead using the washer method. An actual
wooden bead would be provided and cut into
sections for the
students to
manipulate
and measure.
The big idea
would be that
the students
would show
how they mastered and visualized the concept of the
washer method 1 wooden bead that is used in
through a
the project
hands-on approach. Critical thinking skills and deep thinking would also be used to find the margin of error.
I feel that this project is a more effective form of instruction than a standard test or
quiz because the student are able to discuss
methods for solving the problem with a group
member. It also give the students an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of
the big idea rather than memorizing the process for setting up or solving an integral.

Reflection
By applying Piagets and Vygotskys theories I am was able to develop a dynamic and hands-on assessment
that was engaging and that assess the students abilities in various ways. As a future educator I value the
importance of assessing students on big ideas that will transfer to other content areas and real life situations.