Personal Communication as AssessmentChapter 8

Andy H.Beth W.Kirk G.Matt B.Mitch E.

What is Personal Communication Assessment?It is verbally communicating with

students in a purposeful mannerIt’s an effective and efficient way

to both gather information about students to plan upcoming classes and

To introduce a topic or to probe students’ depth of understanding

When should we use it?First consider the type of learning

target to be assessedIt is good for assessing…

◦Knowledge◦Reasoning◦Those skill targets requiring oral

communication• Speaking foreign languages, group

discussions, and oral presentations

When else should we use it?

Teacher and student must share common language

With shy or withdrawn studentsThe classroom is a safe learning

environmentIt can make and adequate

inference about student performance

Some other considerations influence the choice of this type of assessment:

Types of Personal CommunicationQuestioningConference and InterviewsClass DiscussionsOral ExamsJournalsLogs

QuestioningThe instructor poses questions to the class

as a whole, has students ask each other questions.

It is used to encourage deep thinking and deep learning

What are keys to using successful questioning?

What are question strategies that promote reasoning?

What are other strategies that may promote reasoning/deep thinking in the class?

Conference and InterviewsServe as structured or unstructured audits of

student achievement. The objective is to talk about what students have learned and have yet to learn.

We talk to students about their levels of achievement, levels of comfort with the material, specific needs, interests and desires, or any other achievement-related topics

What are some keys to successful the Conference/Interview format

Strength is that the assessment can have impact on relationship with the student

Class DiscussionsStrength is that discussions reveal

a great deal about student levels of understanding and achievement. They have the effect of enhancing learning and ability to use what they already have learned.

How does this differ from questioning?

Discussions require a rubric for assessing student involvement.

Oral Examination It is planning and posing questions for students,

who reflect about the questions and then provide oral responses.

Are similar to extended written response assessments, but provide for the ability to ask follow-up questions. This makes them more open-ended.

What are some keys for successful oral examination?

Example: Conduct a conversation in a foreign language.

Running Records: Part performance assessment, part personal communication is direct observation or oral reading skills

Journals and LogsAllows students to share views,

experiences and insights in written form.

Is at the heart of assessment for learning

Four forms:oResponse JournalsoPersonal Writing JournalsoDialogue JournalsoLearning Logs