Module 3- What kind of teacher are you?
For Module 3, Heidi and I extended our visual to include the components and types of assessment. I want to take a moment to reflect on this module as I found it to be difficult, not in content but in my ability to conceptualize and apply to my own practice.
For some reason, the words "assessment" and "evaluation" make me metaphorically break out into hives. On a less melodramatic note, I think I have seriously misunderstood these two words. Before this module, these words had been synonymous with to test, to quiz, and ultimately to pass or fail. Assessment had seemed very black and white to me.
As a student, I always hated tests, especially multiple choice ones. I preferred to show my knowledge and abilities throughout the semester or year, rather than have it all "questioned" at one moment in time. When I was in university, I remember my favourite mid-terms and exams were essays. I loved being able to show the depth of my understanding, rather than the breadth. To this day, I still find it really hard to recall facts and definitions, so selected-response questions (such as multiple choice) have always been anxiety inducing. In fact, in my third year of univeristy, I took a course called Philosophy of Religion, which I absolutely loved because it was mainly essay writing. However, for the final exam, the professor surprised me with a test that was mostly multiple choice. After receiving mainly As and Bs in the course, I finally got my first C- on that test.
My understanding of the word "assessment" quickly changed as I delved into the readings in this module. I soon realized how complex assessments are and how limited my definition has been. Assessments can be on-going, creative, and student-led. They can, and in my opinion should, be transparent to the student, which would then increase their motivation and autonomy.
This module has really shifted my perspective on assessment and I'm looking forward to integrating this new knowledge into my lessons as a tutor.
And now, on to the real reason for this blog post: our assignment!
