Chapter 2 discussed standardized testing and assessing
children. I remember that when I was younger I was so stressed before taking a
standardized test. I thought the test was the only time I was ever evaluated,
however, I realize now that I was being evaluated constantly in the classroom
as well. This constant evaluation process does not change when you become an
adult and go to college, or when you graduate and get a job. People are always
being evaluated or taking tests in some way or another. It is important that
educators do not stress students out over standardized testing. Educators
should inform students that they are being assessed in other ways besides
standardized testing. Telling students this fact will eliminate some of the
anxiety that comes with taking standardized tests.
This chapter is important because it explains the pros and
cons of standardized testing and how to assess the children that will be in
your classroom. I strongly disliked standardized tests growing up, but now that
I am studying to be a teacher, I dislike these tests even more. Luckily, there
are other ways that children can be assessed that does not involve standardized
testing.
Assessing students in a variety of ways is extremely
beneficial and will allow the students to be assessed fairly. Assessing a child
with standardized tests and class activities will allow educators to more
accurately pinpoint the student’s areas of strength and weakness.
It is also important that teachers realize what kind of
assessment is best for the age group that they are teaching. It is the job of
an educator to assess a child in the most accurate and fair way.
Chapter 2 gives other examples of ways that teachers can
assess the children in their classroom. Teachers need to be aware of the other
assessment strategies that are out there. Teachers also need to be aware of how
to pick the right strategy for the right age group. After reading this chapter
I am more confident in my knowledge about the pros and cons of standardized
testing.
Michaella, you did a great job summarizing chapter two! I have always been someone who gets very bad test anxiety, in fact, most people I know get really nervous before taking tests. I love the comment you made about how you thought you were only being evaluated through tests. I felt the same way when I was in school. No teacher I had ever really explained that it was even possible to evaluate in different ways, so I thought the only possible way they could was through tests. And, like many other children I knew, I was terrible at taking tests. So as future teachers it is very important that we let our students know that there are other ways they are being evaluated. I really agree with what you were saying about the standardized tests. As a child, I did not like them. And now as I am learning more about being a teacher, I dislike them more and more. But they are an important part in evaluation so they are needed in schools. However when I get my own classroom, I would like to focus on using more of the different assessments chapter two has provided us with. I really liked the idea of videoing or recording the students while reading. I think that would be an excellent idea especially when it comes to reading because it can be hard to remember what a child said or how they said it. It is very important to know which assessments to use for different students. You really need to get to know the students before you try and assess them in certain areas. This chapter really helped me be a little more comfortable in my knowledge of assessing students and how I would like to go about it.
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