I believe that when assessing children standardized tests should not be the only test to measure a child's ability. My opinion is that many children are stronger in some areas than others. I honestly can say that I have not been the best test taker at times. It creates much anxiety and nervousness. Viewing a child as a whole should be measured by viewing each developmental domain. If children are facing delays such as with their gross motor skills, or language I believe that activities should be presented to promote growth. Viewing the whole child requires a person to look at each area of developmental.
In asia children are assessed by performance based tasks, self assessments, peer assessments, teacher observations, portfolios, quizzes and tests. Their external tests are used to measure theirstudent's performance and programs effectiveness. It was interesting to see that promoting language in Asia calls for many assessments which does not limit them to one. At my current position I am responsible for screening children using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. This developmental tool is based on a child's performance and it allows parents to assist the facilitator with each task. It is more parent friendly and I believe that the experience is more rich.
8 comments:
Shevia,
I agree with you, test can be stressful on children. I can remember in high school instead of us talking a final exam in English we had to pick a topic or have one chosen for us and create a portfolio, do a presentation, and write a paper about it. This was a great alternative to taking a test. With there being several parts of the project it took the pressure off having to perform well in one area.
Very interesting Shavia.
I was pretty good as a child with test and other task. As i grew older and returned to school after many years, I too have an anxiety when it comes to taking test.
What I o now is review a few days before the test and say a prayer. I on't know if I' will ever be anxiety free again, but I do know prayer helps. Thanks.
Thanks Shavia,
I too have anxiety's when it comes to taking test. I usually review a few days before, the ay of and pray. Today i still pray because I know there will be a lot more test.
Shavia I have test anxiety's myself. When I enrolled in college many years ago and during my re-enrollment. I was assessed on my ability to comprehend, write, and the way I answered questions. We will be assessed for the rest of our lives.
I agree with the point you made saying that we should assess all parts. My daughter has become scared when I say the word test. She took a test and did not do well on it at all. The teacher sent the test home, I sat her down at the table and only read the questions to her. She answered each question correctly. You know that it is hard trying to explain that she did it all o her own at home when she only got one right at school. She said that the teacher was reading too fast and she didn't know how to choose the right answer. I have being going over test taking skills with her that has be found to be beneficial for her. I think that we should look at the whole child rather than only looking at the test scores to identify where a child is academically.
Great post!
Excellent post Shevia. I couldn't agree with you more. Testing should not fully determine a child's educational level. Some kids aren't good test takers.
I would like to leave a not of professional thanks to you and all that you have offered to this class.
I wish you nothing but blessings in all that you set forth to do here at Walden University and in your personal life.
Thanks for all that you have added to this class. Good luck to you in the future.
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