Chptr 5 UbD/DI

Team 4(Ryan, Renee, Mackenzie, Aaron)

Write a brief abstract of the chapter.
This chapter’s main focus was assessments used by teachers. It covered many different types of assessments and how to effectively use these tests for understanding. In the beginning of the text it is stressed that using a cumulative, encompassing form of assessment is better than a “snapshot” method where you only use one piece of evidence to determine whether a child knows the material. The authors discuss the three principles of understanding, and how these relate to assessments we should use. These principles include using the GRASPS method to assess learning and when designing new assessments to take the “form follows function” method. Using these ideas you can test to see if your students actually UNDERSTAND the subject rather than just memorize the facts. At the very end of the chapter they also talk about responsive assessment, which allows us as teachers to adjust our teaching style based on the feedback we get from quick, easy checks for understanding.

How did you connect to the reading and briefly reflect on your thoughts?
I personally liked how the chapter gave us information about assessing correctly and understanding the feedback we get from our assessments. I thought it was important about the responsive assessments and being able to change something if it’s not working. Aaron favored the idea of giving in depth feedback to the kids after their assessments, thus giving them some insight about what they need to work on. Renee mentioned adapting assessments to her different classes and being able to differentiate instruction, and also liked the section covering praise given to students. Mackenzie really liked the concrete examples of assessment given in the chapter and mentioned using the book as a resource.