Monday, April 16, 2012

Formative and Summative Assessments

 A formative assessment is an assessment that is less "formal."  It is used to see what information students already know, or what they have learned so far.  However, this is usually not for grading purposes, but instead to promote learning and self-efficacy while also giving teachers feedback.  These assessments are helpful when teaching for learning.

Summative assessment is a more "formal" type of assessment.  Summative assessments are more tests based. For example, after covering a unit, or several units, the teacher may have a summative assessment, or graded test over the information. These assessments aim to summarize learning up to that specific point. They may also be used to identify weaknesses.

I think both of these types of assessment are great.  I really like formative assessments because I feel that a lot of the type they are more beneficial to both the student and the teacher.  In the classroom, I can use formative assessments often to see what the students know and what they are picking up on.  It is also great feedback for me because if there is any area they did not pick up on that is important I may need to review the content with them. I think formative assessments throughout a unit will then help students better prepare for summative assessments. I can then use summative assessments after discussing an entire unit to make sure the students learned what they were supposed to.

I think there are various ways to use instructional technologies in support of assessments.  I think creating  group or individual projects is a great idea because students can then visually present what they know.  Glogster and Prezi would be a couple good resources. Popplet may be used as well.  It all depends on what your preferences are as a teacher.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations look great on resume's, but they are much more than that. They give you opportunities beyond the classroom.  You have the ability to get in contact with other people in your profession from across the U.S. as well as nationally. They are also great ways to get updated information about your field of study.  Many have places where you can subscribe to emails and also printed materials so you can have information sent to you.

A couple organizations relevant to my field are the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, otherwise known as NSSLHA. The 2012 membership dues are $60 and an online applications is available. With a subscription you get access to members only journals, websites, and forums. As a member you also get a reduced fee to the National Convention.

Another organization is the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, otherwise knows as ASHA. The NSSLHA and ASHA sites are somewhat linked and provide much of the same information.  Details about the National Convention can be found on the ASHA site.

I am planning on joining National NSSLHA next year as a senior.  We have a local NSSLHA club here on campus that I am already involved in. The benefits as explained above will be very helpful when preparing for grad school.

Screenr video:http://www.screenr.com/jEd8