Blog Assignment #3

Formative vs. Summative Assessment:

Formative assessment has to do with measurements and conclusions that are made during the course of the program.  It is used to determine whether an existing program of study is functioning as intended.

Summative assessment has reference to measurements made at the end of a course of study.  It determines the effectiveness of the program based on a judgement of the learner.  Judgements/grades are determined through testing.

What is the difference between Criterion, Norm, and Self-referenced interpretations?

Criterion:

The preferred method of interpretation.  These assessments are meant to determine whether the learner has objectively achieved a set level of competency.

Norm:

These type are used when there is no set agreement on what the learners must know.  It is a judgement about the learner's mastery of the material in comparison to the other learners.

Self:

Used when the learning desired is personal.  Completely based in the learner's own opinion.


What is Self-Directed Learning?

It is a sophisticated type of learning style which integrates feeling with thoughts, acceptance of contradiction of established ideas, and tends to address problems for which there is no single final solution.  These type may easily be offended by menial assessment methods such as multiple-choice questions.  They enjoy critical thinking to which selection type tests do not provide opportunity.  A self-directed learner might be tempted to withdraw himself from the class if he feels that there is no ability for him to demonstrate his knowledge.  It is important to challenge this type of student with both formative and summative assessments, but you will be most successful as an instructor blending in all types of assessment.