This course will consider formal and informal classroom assessments and their use for guiding curricular decisions, differentiating instruction, fostering student achievement, and improving teacher performance.  The nature and purpose of classroom, diagnostic, placement, problem-solving, formative and summative assessments will be discussed.  Test construction and teacher-made tests that are authentic and non-discriminatory are addressed, along with the importance of fair, consistent and transparent grading practices; developing and using rubrics and checklists; and providing useful student feedback.  Implications of on-screen testing and the use of e-assessments for tapping higher order thinking will be discussed

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this program,

1. Analyze the difference between assessment and evaluation
2. Analyze the purpose and use of national(NAEP)and international (PISA, TIMSS) assessments
3. Analyze the nature and purpose of different types of classroom assessments
4. Analyze the role of assessment in guiding curricular decisions, fostering student achievement and differentiating instruction
5. Analyze the purpose and use of rubrics as a tool for assessment and evaluation assignments.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Difference between Assessment and Evaluation in Learning

Week 2: Unit 2 – Different Types of Classroom Assessments

Week 3: Unit 3 – The Use and Purpose of Rubrics and Authentic Assessments

Week 4: Unit 4 – The Role of Assessment in Guiding Decisions

Week 5: Unit 5 – Designing Assessments

Week 6: Unit 6 – Online International Assessments and Online Formative Assessments

Week 7: Unit 7 – The Role of Assessment in Improving Teacher Performance

Week 8: Unit 8 – Fair, Non-Discriminatory Classroom Assessments

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.  The Learning Guides for all units open on the first day of class.  Please review all Learning Guides to access the readings, review assignments, etc.

Unit 1: Difference between Assessment and Evaluation in Learning

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 2: Different Types of Classroom Assessments

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 3: The Use and Purpose of Rubrics and Authentic Assessments

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Begin and participate in the Group Activity (Due Unit 7)

Unit 4: The Role of Assessment in Guiding Decisions

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity

Unit 5: Designing Assessments

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 6: Online International Assessments and Online Formative Assessments

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

 Unit 7: The Role of Assessment in Improving Teacher Performance

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Group Activity

Unit 8: Fair, Non-Discriminatory Classroom Assessments

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation