Prepared for CE Network Webinar, Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A Discussion Starter for Assessment Geared for Non-Classroom Settings(Many also can be used in traditional classroom settings as well)

Some Big Ideas:1. Build in time for pre- and post experience assessment. (Be intentional and predictable about this. Prepare learners for an experience in advance by cuing them to be on the look out for certain things, to take pictures, record thoughts and words that may help them remember what it felt like in the moment, etc.)

2. When possible try to have time to process and reflect both close to the experience and then again after a little while has past. Note first impressions as well as things that emerge after more processing time.

3. Take advantage of time in transit to give a prompt i.e. something to think about, something to discuss with someone nearby, something to notice, something to rehearse.

4. Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies that surprise and delight.

5. Take advantage of what is close at hand…everyone has a cell phone, their powers of observation, the ability to vote through polling etc. and also of adding something special…taking video, using tablets, using online apps, etc.

6. Add more:

Some Suggestions:

1. Teacher/facilitator emails or texts learners one or more questions at various stages of the experience…learners can respond in kind. Or learners can collect responses on a shared format such as Google docs.

2. Learners are encouraged to use their cell phones to take pictures of key moments that stood out to them…Learners can use the Notes feature or the stickies feature or their voice-recorder feature to record word cues or phrases.

3. Learners can tweet or post to Facebook.4. Learners can use performance or product assessment to show what they know, can

do, value or to express their sense of belonging… (See list provided by Cindy Rich from ASCD source.) What could you add to this list that reflects 2011? A podcast? A blog post? An e-portfolio? Digital storytelling?

5. Learners can tell stories taking on different roles and telling the story to varied audiences to expand their perspectives and give them a chance to explore a theme from multiple viewpoints. (Chart of Possible Student Roles and Audiences).

6. Other ideas?