Assessment
Phase of Development: Early Adolescence
Assessment was ongoing throughout the unit and took several forms.
Observation
While students were working individually, in pairs, in groups and as a class, I observed and kept anecdotal records about individual students:
- The types of language learning strategies they were employing.
- Their understanding of the system of the Italian language.
- Their techniques for finding relevant information.
- Their skills in drafting and proof-reading their writing.
- Their skills of group work and collaboration.
I used this information to provide students with feedback, to inform my assessment of their progress, and to shape my planning for future units of work with this class.
Use of Agreed Criteria to Assess the Powerpoint Presentation
Teacher assessment based on agreed criteria:
I assessed the students' PowerPoint Presentations for the interest and degree of accuracy of language use, and for the extent to which they met the criteria agreed on with the class.
Using student outcome statements it was relatively easy to assess the levels they were working at.
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When students understand the relevant outcomes and the criteria for each assessed task are made explicit and specific, it is easier for them to understand what is expected and how to achieve it, and
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finally to self assess and determine if they achieved their goals.
Student self and peer assessment based on agreed criteria:
Student reflection and peer assessment were also important components. Students assessed their own PowerPoint Presentations and those of their peers by means of the same checklist of criteria for a successful PowerPoint Presentation that I used.
They provided feedback to each other in terms of this checklist and through general evaluative comments made during collaborative work throughout the unit and, particularly, during Step 7 when they viewed each other's presentations.
Agreed Criteria for a PowerPoint Presentation
- Are the pictures appropriate and relevant?
- Is the slide show interesting and varied enough?
- Is there variety in the form of presentation?
- Is the text easy to read?
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Portfolios
Hard copies of students' Powerpoint Presentations became part of their portfolios of work, and thus available for consultation during parent-teacher and parent-student-teacher conferences.
Their reflections on their work and progress (see above) also formed part of this portfolio, and provided a specific basis for discussion with parents.
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