Suggested Assessment Strategies
Teachers determine the best assessment methods for their students. The assessment strategies sections in this document describe a variety of ideas and methods for gathering evidence of student performance. Each subsection begins with a context statement, which explains how students at this age can demonstrate their learning, what teachers can look for, and how this information can be used to adapt further instruction.
Following the context statements are more specific examples of assessment strategies. Some strategies relate to particular activities, while others are general and could apply to any activity. In some cases a format or further description of an assessment strategy is provided in "Managing Assessment Information," at the end of Appendix D.
Assessment
Assessment is the systematic process of gathering information about students' learning in order to describe what they know, are able to do, and are working
towards. From the evidence and information collected in assessments, teachers describe each student's learning and performance. They use this information to provide students with ongoing feedback, plan further
instructional and learning activities, set subsequent learning goals, and determine areas requiring diagnostic teaching and intervention. Teachers base their evaluation of a student's performance on the information collected through assessment. They use
their insight, knowledge about learning,
and experience with students, along with
the specific criteria they establish, to make judgments about student performance.
Teachers determine the purpose, aspects, or attributes of learning on which to focus the assessment, when to collect the evidence, and the assessment methods, tools, or techniques most appropriate to use. Assessment focuses on the critical or significant aspects of the learning to be demonstrated by the student. Students benefit when they clearly understand the learning goals and the learning
expectations.
The assessment of student performance is based on a wide variety of methods and tools including observation, student self-assessments, daily practice assignments, quizzes, samples of student work, pencil-and-paper tests, holistic rating scales, projects, oral and
written reports, performance reviews, and portfolio assessments. A variety of assessment methods helps teachers compile a
comprehensive profile of student learning.
Provincial Reference Sets
The provincial reference sets are an additional resource to help teachers assess the skills
that students acquire across curricular areas. These include:
- Evaluating Reading Across Curriculum
(RB0034)
- Evaluating Writing Across Curriculum
(RB0020 and RB0021)
- Evaluating Problem Solving Across Curriculum
- Evaluating Group Communication Skills Across Curriculum
- Evaluating Mathematical Development Across Curriculum
The reference sets can help teachers focus assessment, establish assessment criteria, and provide a more complete picture of each student's development. In assessing student performance in mathematics, teachers may find the reference sets on problem solving, mathematical development, and group communication skills most applicable.
Provincial Learning Assessment Program
The provincial learning assessment program gathers information on students' performance throughout the province, is used in the development and revision of curriculum, and provides information about teaching and learning in B.C. The recommendations and conclusions of the 1990 Mathematics Assessment have contributed to the development of this IRP.
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©Copyright 1996All Rights Reserved. Curriculum Branch.
Maintained by: Mathematics Coordinator
Revised: October 20, 1997
BC Ministry of Education