No way! Our students can be assessed in myriad ways. In my opinion, the best assessment is through informal observation, for example:
you can post a question and have your students respond with a thumbs up or down, sign language for a,b,c,d choice, and use individual white boards, responders, or iPads.
Teachers can also assess their students through concept mapping, K-W-L charts, discussions, small groups/centers, etc.
Yes, tests can be an extremely effective way to assess your student's learning comprehension; however, more stress and anxiety is produced through formal assessment, students usually do not like the exams, and it takes a while to give and receive feedback. Feedback is the key to our success as teachers, and the best way to help keep our students on track with their educational goals.
I understand that it is hard to grade students off of informal observation, but you can always give them participation points, and have them reflect on their learning of the day through a class blog, journal, or e-mail.
We, as educators, need to focus more on what our students can do verses what they can prove on a piece of paper (especially with multiple choice assessments due to the fact that students can easily guess and get the correct answer). State assessments are the worst with this, not having students prove their knowledge, but select what they think is the right answer.
Another great way to show/prove student learning is through the use of portfolios and performance assessments. This way students are creating and designing to emphasize what they have learned, verses matching or bubbling in answers.
To see informal and formal assessments that are technology based, saving hours of grading time, and giving instant feedback, please watch the five minute video from schooltube.com embedded and located right above this post or through following the link below.
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