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Instructional Video
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Mirror the STEM Curriculum
An effective assessment of the engaging and rigorous STEM classroom mirrors the curriculum and its innovative instruction methods. Taking a standards-based, integrated approach with real world applications, the assessment measures students' ability to innovate, problem-solve and apply 21st century skills at each grade level. At the high school level, a diligent assessment also gauges students' readiness for college, careers and productive citizenship.
Range of Assessment Strategies According to Hays B. Lantz of CurrTech Integrations, traditional modes of assessment alone are not sufficient to gather evidence of student understanding of the rich and robust STEM curriculum. Paper and pencil tests and quizzes are valid formats for gaining evidence of student learning; however, authentic assessment methods require students to find novel solutions to complex challenges within and beyond school contexts. An effective assessment of STEM instruction engages individual and collaborative teams in incorporating design processes, technology and standards-based content to show what students are learning, the knowledge they've retained and what they are able to do as a result.
Formative Assessment Formative assessment, also called assessment for learning, takes place during instruction. It enables instructors to identify necessary adjustments while teaching and learning are in progress. In a STEM classroom, teachers purposefully design tasks to reveal students' progress towards defined learning targets. These tasks simulate professional work environments, requiring students to apply their learning in meaningful ways. Because the work is not graded, these projects encourage innovation and risk-taking. Students have the advantage of descriptive feedback from their teachers and peers to incorporate with self-critique into final products. Teachers have the advantage of identifying and clarifying student misconceptions before final evaluation. Collaborative technology tools such as wikis, Google docs and other online sharing formats can aid in the formative assessment process. The teacher and fellow students use such tools to access and provide ideas for refinements of ongoing work, leading to enhanced summative assessment results.
Summative Assessment Summative assessment, also known as assessment of learning, takes place at the end of an instructional unit, quarter, semester or year. It is the culminating evaluation of a teaching and learning progression in which a student has had multiple opportunities to hone and build on knowledge, skills and assignments. For example, a STEM-focused summative assessment may require students to produce a documentary highlighting a compelling community or world problem. Photos and video clips taken with a mobile phone or a Flip camera could be imported into the students' choice of digital media to vividly underscore key points. The final product might be in the form of a digital story or a podcast. Students might be expected to maintain a blog to keep the teacher and fellow students abreast of their progress and new learning along the way. Although this type of assessment is summative and subject to a grade, data from it can still be used to guide next steps in instruction.
Data Guides Instruction and Learning Decisions about what is next in instruction come from various data sources and can be collected through observations, dialogue and analysis of formal and informal student responses. Using data from formative and summative assessments, individual misunderstandings can be addressed as trends in student fallacies are identified. This information can used to make adjustments in instructional plans and learning strategies. To promote school wide congruence between what is taught and what is assessed, time should be embedded in the school day for teachers to collaborate on assessment design and take informed action based on student assessment results.
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