Assessments in Math Reflection

Assessments in math can come in all different varieties, just like assessment in any other subject. I remember in middle school we would have daily assessment grades on our homework. In high school we would have homework checks for completion, however homework was a learning tool so we weren't counted off if we had the problem wrong. We were supposed to learn from our mistakes so we could be successful on the tests and quizzes.

In math methods we have learned many more assessment styles and tools other than homework grades, quizzes, and tests. There is a big push for switching classrooms over to inquiry based learning. This learning style is best assessed by a rubric. In methods we have learned about the importance of a strong rubric that isn't biased and the level on the rubric should be clear. I think performance based assessments and portfolio assessments are a great way to assess students. Performance based allows students to take the knowledge of the topic and apply it to a real world situation. Portfolio assessments allow students to see the physical growth of their learning by collecting various assignments throughout the semester or year. These assignments are much more meaningful to students because they are applying what they have learned. The traditional tests and quizzes are also of value, however these mainly assess memorization and don't represent the depth of knowledge a student may have when compared to all the levels of Bloom's Taxonomy.

In my classroom I want to have a variety of assessments for mathematics. Many students get discouraged in a math class, and with allowing students to see the connections of math to the real world, they will have a much better appreciation for the subject.