I am interested in hearing alternate approaches to assessing projects other than using rubrics. I want to begin moving away from rubric use, as I have experienced students tend to work to satisfy the rubric rather than focus on the process of learning (isn't a rubric just another way of answering the student question "What do I need to do to get an A on the project?").
While a rubric can be constructed so as to avoid prescriptive language, and consequently prescriptive projects, they then become less effective in assessing the project overall. Further, I am hoping to encourage a more "learning for it's own sake" environment, rather than learning to get a grade as described by the rubric.
Is anyone using pure narratives/personal reflections as the sole project assessment tool? If so, What are students asked to write? Personal reflections on What was learned through the project? Summary of project goal achievement? What are you looking for in the narratives as evidence of true learning?
Don Doehla on 16 Oct 15Driving Question: How can student voice and choice enrich language learning? Recent articles in publications like The Atlantic and The Hill highlight what many describe as a dismal state of language learning in the United States. Both pieces speak to the largely ineffective outcomes of language study, since so few language learners achieve a meaningful level of proficiency, even after years of study. Contributing to the state of language discussion, a recent ACTFL study shows that fewer students are pursuing language study. what seems like a lack of serious commitment to improve outcomes in the U.S. also reflects a long-standing cultural attitude that language learning isn't a worthwhile endeavor.
