What is assessment?

Assessment is a multi-step process of obtaining evidence of student understanding, learning, and abilities in order to provide student feedback and reinforcement. According to Russell, assessment is not a single act that follows instruction, but should actually drive instruction. Assessment must match student learning objectives and be conducted to give timely, valid, and reliable information.

Assessment in Relation to Technology

The International Technology Education Association developed technology literacy standards. In addition, because assessment is an important aspect to teaching and learning they have established student assessment standards located in Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional Development, and Program Standards. Listed below are the standards with a brief explanation.

Standard A-1: Assessment of student learning will be consistent with Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology. These standards address the need for technology to be taught throughout all subjects; therefore, assessment of technology should also take place throughout all disciplines using a variety of assessment instrumentation and activities.

Standard A-2: Assessment of student learning will be matched to the intended purpose. In other words, the assessment should be aligned with the instructional goals. The purpose for assessment needs to be determined then an assessment method or test can be established. To determine the purpose for assessment several questions need to be answered: Who is the assessment intended for? What timeframe is needed for the assessment to be useful? What will the results be used for? What concept, skill, or knowledge is being assessed? What should the students know and at what level should they be performing? What type of knowledge is being assessed? (memory, reasoning, or process)

Standard A-3: Assessment of student learning will be systematic and derived from research-based assessment principles. It should provide accurate and reliable data that includes both formative and summative evaluation.

Standard A-4: Assessment of student learning will reflect practical contexts consistent with the nature of technology. Assessment of technological knowledge and abilities must include some performance activities in order to determine if students can apply their technology knowledge and skills successfully. This standard encourages teachers to include technological problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making as part of the assessment.

Standard A-5: Assessment of student learning will incorporate data collection for accountability, professional development, and program enhancement. Although the main reasons for student assessment is to provide feedback, reinforcement, and documentation of progress it is also used to improve instruction as well as the curriculum. Teacher accountability is increasing. Documentation of student progress and program achievement provides evidence of knowledge gained and value to particular programs and curriculum taught. In addition, this information allows teachers to evaluate teaching strategies as well as the curriculum itself to see if instructional goals are being meet adequately.

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