After finishing this course, I developed a greater appreciation and better understanding of assessments. I no longer hold my negative view about assessments and now treat them as an educator’s ally in achieving successful learning.
I appreciate the value of needs assessment prior to instruction where I could have an idea about the current strengths and areas for improvement of my learners. I am reminded that the goal is to effectively use the results formatively in line with the stated learning objectives. The benefits are two-fold in a sense that it influences instruction and guides learning.
My perspective has greatly been adjusted with a new understanding that educators are not alone in this process. Assessment AS learning or reflective assessment is a powerful tool which I previously did not notice… Not until now. This has encouraged me to include my learners in the process of constructive approaches where they could become mindful of their own progress. My belief is reinforced that no one has the power to help you more than your willingness to help yourself.
With that in mind, I would strive to provide timely feedback… to strike the iron while it’s hot. I want to further develop my skill not only in determining the timing, but also by providing them constructively. As a student myself, I want to receive fair and reliable feedback on my knowledge and performance in a way that is encouraging instead of damaging my self-esteem.
Validity, reliability, and alignment have been emphasized a lot of times in this course. It has almost become an automatic reflex for me to look for these qualities in designing or evaluating an assessment. I still believe that summative assessments are necessary, but I should do my best for them to also reflect a measure of higher order of thinking skills and instructions with the same level in order to minimize the gaps. Single-point rubrics and table of specifications greatly left an impact to me. I am now more confident to employ summative and especially non-traditional assessments that will provide me with multiple evidences of learning without fear that results would be measurable, reliable, credible, fair, and based on sound criteria.
This course has strengthened my resolve to become a better assessor of learning. Thank you for everything, Dr. Lou 😀 I am also grateful for the opportunity to learn from my “ka-Barangays” in our discussion fora. I am also fortunate and grateful to be accepted as a member of our group “Tandikan” which consists of intelligent and cooperative members who are ready to provide intellectual and practical help. This journey has been easier because of you, guys. Indeed, I will leave this course with a “happy heart”.
Hinuha 