When thinking of this assignment, I knew I wanted to use a different format, other than just writing a paper. I also knew I wanted to point out my view on standardized testing. I don't believe that standardized testing is a way of showing someone's true knowledge. There are more than a few reasons why. I decided to create a PowerPoint presentation to show all of the research done on standardized testing,
The reason this is such a big interest to me is because I'm someone who has a severe problem with test anxiety. Throughout my Undergraduate studies I was forced to take all of my tests through a special program on campus. I also was awarded longer testing periods when I was in high school. Without certain accommodations, I would have certainly scored lower. So when it came time to take my Maine Education Assessment (MEA) and Maine High School Assessment (MHSA), I was not surprised to see that I hadn't performed well. I wasn't given any special accommodations for tests like these. My point is that you can't base these experiences on where someone will be in the future. This is exactly what happens, though. The SAT's for example are a test that determines what kind of college you'll be accepted to. I don't think it's right or accurate.
In my presentation I also listed many other reasons of why standardized testing shouldn't be used as an indicator of a student's knowledge. Other reasons besides anxiety are fear of failure, poor test-taking, lack of test sophistication (test-wellness), lack of automaticity, and test bias. There are also pros and cons to standardized testing that I put within my presentation. I also showed how others have in some way or another "solved" the problem of this type of testing. There are two types of assessments and they are portfolio-based assessments and performance exams. Lastly, I gave reasons and ways of which I believe we could help resolve the problem of using tests as an indicator to student's knowledge. It was a very informative project to say the least.
Erin,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about standardized testing not showing the whole picture about what a student may actually know and be able to do. I think students can struggle with testing but still actual know the material, and as teachers we need to realize this and help address it. I would love to see your powerpoint, if you would like to share it. Alas, I wrote a traditional paper, but I appreciate the alternative methods!
It was great to hear your perspective. I too agree with you. Standardized tests have so many variables even though they are "standardized". I think most teachers find that frustration as well and it helps verify why keeping portfolios and informal classroom assessments are so vital. Now that we can digitize material it makes it easier and more realistic to keep portfolios. When I first started keeping portfolios on students they were so hard to manage with everything being in paper form. Also, allowing students some freedom to share their knowledge in different ways enables us as teachers to better see the student and their interests and visions. Isn't that our goal, to meet the needs of the student and help them grow as individuals?
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