Do you think non-traditional assessment is as effective as more traditional assessments--quizzes, worksheets,?

Question

What is a positive experience with non-traditional assessment? What about a negative experience?

Answer 1

I think it is way more effective, especially in this century. People are becoming more attached to their machines. The pros are that you can go to school in the comfort of your home and it is effective I tried it for high school. The pros exceed the cons, but the cons are very basic if you can't work on a computer stick to the traditional types of assessments. Hope i helped:)

Answer 2

I believe that they both have a place in a well balanced program.
You have to be careful how traditional methods are used. Questions on tests should be for students to show what they know, not to 'trick' the students by giving them something they can't do or that they didn't know would be on the test.
Non-traditional assessments allow the students to be a larger part of the assessment proces, which is vital for them to be able to start reflecting on their learning. It is usually more time consuming to set up, partly because more student input is required, but in the end is usually very valuable and at times more meaningful for the students.

Answer 3

There are pros and cons as with everything else.

Personally, I feel that there is something to be said for a students ability to do the task laid in front of them. Once they become adults nobody cares how they would prefer to do the job. Your boss expects things done, and usually wants it done their way! I think we get carried away trying to match "learning styles" and performance tasks so that every child succeeds.

At the same time I don't think it should be the only method of judging\grading a student.

Answer 4

Absolutely! Think about it, our students will be in a world where the jobs that they will have, have not even been created yet! We have to teach them to think for themselves, work with others, and find information. I do give quizzes and tests, but I learn a lot more from giving them a problem to solve using what they have learned. Just my opinion! Kids learn by doing, not memorizing!