Individualized Assessment for Equity by Olivia

Individualized Assessment for Equity by Olivia - June 2015 Scholarship Essay

When trying to gather how well a group of individuals is grasping a set of curriculum or material, it is near impossible to conclude upon a single form of assessment. Theories of multiple intelligence tell us that each person not only learns best through the presentation and reinforcement of material in a certain way, but also has a unique mode in which they can best display the knowledge they have obtained. With this in mind, to provide equity in assessment for each student, I believe that an ideal form is observation by instructors.

Utilizing set learning objectives, if instructors periodically ask students to show that they have achieved those goals in whichever mode they can best express so, a partnership can be created that allows students to have more agency in their learning. By students choosing a medium of expression and having it approved, then creating a work plan within timeline to produce a product, they are learning valuable work skills while still remaining invested in a project of their choice. Even if this means displaying a skill, writing an essay, or creating a portfolio, the instructor observation of progress within these means is crucial to understanding how much a student has learned. This also allows instructors to observe and mentor the progress of the individual, in knowing their personality, strengths, and weaknesses leading to a deep and thorough assessment of their progress.

Observation does not hinder or confine students, and is equally as unbiased as any other measure in that there is a set of objectives being achieved through a display of knowledge. As instructors are the experts in the topics and materials they teach, they are highly qualified to observe the projects ad periodic work of the students. This form of assessment eliminates bad test items or unclear essay questions, while still leaving room for instructors to analyze the effectiveness of their lessons, and continue to teach along the way as their student presents areas in which they are struggling. The participatory aspect of observation brings students and instructors together to have an open dialogue and best evaluate learning and progress in each individual’s educational journey.