"This article describes the need and prospects for alternative assessment approaches in online learning environments within the context of higher education."
The writer of this blog post argues that high-stakes testing is damaging our students' learning when they are drilled in taking tests rather than participating in opportunities to problem solve and critically think with their peers worldwide.
"Using gaming in educational settings opens the doors for new possibilities in teaching and learning. Games, if done right, can become a powerful tool to get groups to work together. "
"Quest Atlantis (QA) is an international learning and teaching project that uses a 3D multi-user environment to immerse children, ages 9-16, in educational tasks."
Are there "penalities" for not doing well on these tests? Can a student be denied graduation? I know this is coming in PA with the Keystone Exams. I also believe remediation (in 12th grade) is a requirment if you are not proficient on the PSSA in 11th grade.
I would suggest "demonstrates" rather than has. I also think that one of our greatest challenges in schools - teachers, leaders and students - is coming to some common understanding of what these terms mean, especially in the 21st century. For example, our understanding of collaboration is probably all over the board from "works in groups" to uses social networking sites to connect with other experts.
Does Apple really define this? While they funded the study, I wonder if attaching their name may give the impression that the corporate world is now identifying what we as educators ought to be doing. Maybe...Through research funded by Apple Computer...
While I agree with this as well, the challenge is how do we prepare teachers to engage in this instruction. Also, as I was reading I kept thinking, this sounds much like differentiated instruction...how do the two fuse together?
In 2008, BIE analyzed selected frameworks for 21st Century Outcomes. The columns represent the different frameworks which fall into the focus areas of workforce readiness.
The focus on critical thinking communication, collaboration, and leadership skills seem to be key elements which appear to again substantiate the need to PBL in the classroom.
What makes up a productive design team?
How do we capitalize on everyone’s skills?
In today’s workforce, individuals with various skill sets typically work together in teams on specific projects or challenges. During this team formation stage, it is important to consider roles and responsibilities and discuss the developmental nature of teams.
This was another aspect that I found crucial in my attempt at collaborative teams and challenge questions this year. The make-up of the teams was very crucial. Careful observation of accountable talk, engagement, and student roles through the use of observation charts helped me group the students in more appropriate groups and still give them some choice as to who they could work with. Heterogeneous vs. homogeneous groups were key. I hope to explore this in more depth through this challenge based model.
They are also cut and dry, right or wrong, no in between. The assessments I think we will be looking at examine not only what students know but what they don't and see learning as a progression.
Like the teacher I talked about who went into the filing cabinet and pulled out the same numbered tests every year without changing the ways because 'it worked in the past.'
This is the greatest challenge, administrators understanding the disconnect between what is going on in the class and what alternatives are out there. How to demonstrate how more effective teaching and alternative assessments can best prepare students for these standardized tests.
This is an awesome site! How effective are they at persuading people of the importance of math? Study the site to answer that question and then carry some of those ideas into your essay.
I love the idea. Can you share an example of how others are really doing this. You link, but say more! Talk about it. How does this connect with your argument? How does it also anwer the question about creativity, collaboration and creation?
Jamie, I posted my comments for your essay on the wiki. I was afraid to have all of the highlights and stickies show up in your draft. Let me know if you want me to post them to diigo
Here is where you take everything you've said and make your case as a an alternative to the way teachers traditionally prepare students for standardized tests.
This site is a reource example of the CBL approach being used in an elementary school. The project has a global initiative of helping children in China and Afghanistan.