Jessica Vanstory

Entry 6: Assessment

As a music teacher, I know how to use multiple assessment methods to monitor individual
student learning, engage learners in self and peer-assessments, and use data to make decisions. I
have experience evaluating music through both formal and informal assessments. Informal
assessments I have conducted include direct feedback to ensembles after a run-through, reading
student body language on comfortability, and question and answer sessions. Formal assessments
I have implemented include use of pencil and paper methods, performance observation, journal
entries, rating scales, checklists, rubrics, peer assessments, and self-assessments. I know how to
assess student progress by designing specific assessments for specific outcomes. For example, to
ensure that students are developing error detection skills, I would conduct a peer assessment.
This way, students can make constructive comments for their peers and apply it to their own
music making. Based on assessment results, I know how to make evaluations and informed
decisions on student data. Are the students improving? What do we need to revisit? Where do we
go from here? For example, if only 60% of students pass the rhythm test, this will alert me that
we need to review rhythms. My assessments will not only assess individual growth, but program
growth as well.

My students will benefit from these assessment methods. They will be cognizant of what skills
they need to improve on, know that it is okay to make mistakes and learn from them, and will be
using well-rounded assessment methods allowing all students to excel and succeed. By receiving
feedback and information on their assessments, my students will be informed on what musical
skillsets they need to improve. For example, if a student does well on their quarterly playing test,
they will be informed through my constructive feedback that their practice strategies are
successful. My students will also know that it is okay to make mistakes or to not do well the first
time. This is what music, and life, is all about! Experimenting, dedicating yourself to the process,
and learning from your mistakes encompasses the journey of life. In addition, my wide variety of
assessment methods offer students a well-rounded opportunity to succeed. With these methods, I
am setting myself up as a teacher to succeed as well. Implementing these different forms of
assessment helps me to see results, and I am growing in every aspect to ensure student mastery
of content.