Performance Tasks

First of all, I have been learning about assessments of learning versus assessments for learning. The reading of both of these phrases are so similar, but have grand differences in meanings. Assessments for learning are formative assessments. This is used for teaching in order for the students to learn more during the process of learning as opposed to summative assessments. Summative tests are assessments of learning and are taken after learning has already occurred. Formative assessment is used in order for the teacher to adjust her teachings and understand how the students are learning and summative is used for the end of a learning period. 

After recognizing the differences between those two, we then learned about assessments within concept based instruction. Again, learning experiences are a type of formative assessment, done within the lesson. Performance tasks are an example of summative assessment, performing the task learned. Learning experiences show what the student don't know while there is still time to fix it and performance tasks are for when the student is ready for individual practice and independence.

Expanding a little more on performance tasks, I recognize that performance tasks are what my students know and can do and need to be authentic to student learning. This means, learning and the end all form of assessment need to go hand in hand. These tasks allow the students to demonstrate what they have learned and show mastery of the subject, skill, concept, or content being taught. Student reflection is vital to a performance task. It is important that students understand what is expected of them and what can be improved on. 

BUT, before this performance task is given to the students, is this test valid? A valid test needs to be reliable and in sync with what is being taught. Authentic tasks should be anchored in GRASPS. This is one way to assure that the assessment is fair and will be effective in assessing students as well as showing a true growth in students. This is what GRASPS looks like:

I had a very difficult time wading through the articles I found online. Many were not very helpful and from the sounds of it, I'm not quite sure these publishers know what performance tasks are. The 3rd link that I referenced has many examples of great performance tasks. There are a few that are questionable suggestions, such as any of the worksheets, but there are also some good opportunities here as well, such as mywritesmart. It is an interactive online writing and performance assessment program that includes a variety of tools to help write and publish writings. This website can help students to use technology as well as show off new writing techniques. 

One problem I found with this reference was that it only really suggested writing as a performance task. When talking in class, we found that even a task such as making a video could show better mastery of a skill. So when in doubt, GRASPS it out and make the assessment interactive and interesting for the student.

References: 

https://daranelsonseducationblog.wordpress.com/resources/

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/MI_Auth_12350_7.AssmtMan.pdf

http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/reading/core-reading-programs/journeys/features/assessments-and-performance-tasks

Much love, 

Brittany Kertesz