Top 5 Ways to Get Creative with Assessment

One of the most powerful things about implementing technology in the classroom is the ability to capture a student’s learning cycle in varied ways. Where once, a standard fill in the bubble test was the only indicator of success for a learner in the classroom, there are a plethora of options the teacher can use in their instructional design to have students demonstrate understanding in multiple ways. This not only supports the teacher in gathering evidence for instructional intention, but it also provides every student an opportunity to demonstrate understanding, using their strengths, interests, and context creatively. Whether using formative assessment to see a student’s journey or a summative assessment as a culminating piece to a unit, here are the Top 5 Ways to Get Creative with Assessment:

Show and Tell

A lot of assessment practices can get pigeon-holed in the idea that there is only one way that students can show what they know. Mix it up by giving students the opportunity not just to write an essay but present their learning on a topic or essential question using tools such as  WeVideo, Adobe Spark, iMovie, and Explain Everything. These tools allow students not only to tell what they are learning but show it as well with built-in tools to record their voice, upload images/video, record video, draw and add text.

Passive is Passé

Make your presentations interactive. Involve students to engage in the lesson by providing different modalities of information. Tools such as PearDeck, Nearpod, and EdPuzzle go beyond the learner as a passive consumer and more of an engaged participant.

It’s always about the journey

Begin with the end in mind. Allow multiple sets of data points by integrating different checkpoints of understanding along the way. Tools such as Google Forms, Formative and Kahoot give teachers more than just multiple choice when designing their formative assessments. Which means more opportunities for students to be successful, whatever their learning style.

Bring Social Back

Learning is loud. Students need engagement with their peers inside and outside the classroom. Tools such as Flipgrid, Classkick, Quizlet Live, and Quizizz allow opportunities for students to learn with and from each other.

The World Does Revolve Around Them

Don’t take it personally when students take on the role of being in charge of their own learning. Google for Education tools such as Docs, Slides, Keep and Sites allow students choice, to track their progress, reflect on their learning and share with others.

How do you get creative with assessment? What are ways you engage all learners in the learning process? Please share to the EdTechTeam communities, I’d love to hear!

Gail Moore
Instructional Technology Facilitator
Educational Consultant
Google Certified Trainer and Innovator
Apple Teacher
Washington State
@gailkmoore