Assessment of Learning: Triangulation of Assessment

Summary

This video explains how teachers can assess student learning through triangulation, using observations, conversations, and products to gather reliable evidence over time. By combining these sources, teachers can better understand student achievement and make informed judgments. The process involves setting clear learning goals, success criteria, and collecting data purposefully. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with colleagues and use professional judgment to evaluate and report student progress accurately. The ultimate goal is to support student success by continuously refining instruction and assessment based on comprehensive evidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Triangulation of evidence in student learning involves gathering data from three sources: observations, conversations, and student products, ensuring a comprehensive view of progress.
• 😀 Teachers need to create optimal physical and social environments for gathering evidence of student learning, considering both learning goals and achievement criteria.
• 😀 Success criteria are essential for students to understand the expected outcomes of their learning. Teachers should collaborate with students to define and assess these criteria.
• 😀 Teachers should engage in professional learning communities to determine learning goals, success criteria, and methods for collecting and analyzing evidence of student learning.
• 😀 Evidence must be purposefully collected over time to evaluate student progress after teaching and practice. This includes observations, conversations, and student products.
• 😀 Teachers should be intentional when collecting data, ensuring that it supports meaningful assessment and avoids unnecessary overload of unrelated information.
• 😀 Observations should be used continuously to evaluate student learning, as they provide insights into students' understanding and progress toward learning goals.
• 😀 Conversations at the end of a learning period help clarify student thinking, making learning visible and providing a clearer picture of their understanding.
• 😀 Student products (e.g., tasks, tests, projects) should be evaluated alongside observations and conversations to ensure fair and comprehensive assessment.
• 😀 Teachers must use professional judgment when analyzing triangulated evidence, considering strengths, needs, and the level of student achievement in relation to the learning goals.
• 😀 Reporting student achievement involves clear communication with students, parents, and guardians, using tools such as report cards, conferences, and rubrics based on the triangulated evidence.

Q & A

What is triangulation in the context of student assessment?

Triangulation in student assessment refers to gathering evidence from three different sources—observations, conversations, and student products. This approach ensures a more accurate and reliable evaluation of student learning over time.

Why is it important for teachers to create optimal physical and social environments for gathering evidence?

Creating optimal environments is crucial because it allows teachers to collect valid and meaningful evidence of student learning. These environments should support both the observation process and the collection of student products and conversations.

What role do success criteria play in student evaluation?

Success criteria define the specific goals that students need to achieve in order to demonstrate successful learning. These criteria guide both the teacher's evaluation process and the students' understanding of what is expected of them.

How can collaboration with colleagues enhance the assessment process?

Collaboration allows teachers to align on learning goals, success criteria, and evidence collection methods. Sharing insights and discussing data collectively leads to a more consistent and accurate assessment of student learning.

What should teachers consider when collecting data for student evaluation?

Teachers should purposefully collect data that aligns with the learning objectives. The data must come from meaningful observations, conversations, and products that provide a holistic view of student learning.

How do observations contribute to the evaluation of student learning?

Observations involve watching, listening, and recording students' progress. This ongoing process provides teachers with real-time insights into how students are achieving the learning goals and success criteria.

Why is it not recommended to use student products in isolation for evaluation?

Using student products in isolation can lead to inaccurate conclusions because it doesn't account for the full spectrum of student learning. To ensure fairness and equity, products should be considered alongside observations and conversations.

What tools can teachers use to manage the evidence collected during student assessment?

Teachers can use various tools like annotated notes, checklists, recordings, written scripts, and graded products to organize and manage the evidence collected. These tools help in analyzing the data effectively and ensuring no important information is missed.

What should a teacher do if the triangulated evidence doesn't clearly indicate the level of student learning?

If the evidence does not clearly show the level of student learning, the teacher must gather additional data. This may involve further observations, conversations, or incorporating different student products to get a more complete picture.

How do teachers report student achievement based on triangulated data?

Teachers report student achievement by analyzing the triangulated data and using professional judgment to interpret the findings. The results are then communicated through methods such as report cards, conferences, and portfolios.