Show What You Know

When we think about measuring what students know and are able to do, we typically picture a traditional paper and pencil assessment scenario.  Often the students are asked to take a quiz or test on some topic that has been taught and we use the paper to figure out if they know what they should.

One of the gifts of differentiation is that it allows you to differentiate what students produce.  We call this the product.   While traditional assessments will always have a place in the classroom, take some time to consider alternate ways for students to show what they know.  Here is a list of ways to differentiate product:

• Begin with options of how to express what they have learned.  (Examples: create a puppet show, draw a picture, act it out, write a letter or song, create artwork, make a video, create a performance.)  Utilize multiple intelligences to consider ways to stretch your students.
• Allow students to work alone or in small groups on their products.  If group work is done, create expectations and a rubric to clearly define the expectations of each person within the group.
• Allow students to help design products around essential learning goals.  Let the students give input on how they can show you their knowledge.
• Provide or encourage use of varied types of resources in preparing products.  Consider materials that encourage repurposing everyday items or recycled resources as a way to keep costs low.
• Allow choice when possible.  If this seems overwhelming, start with 3 options of products and let the students choose the one that motivates them the most.
• Work with students to develop rubrics of quality that allow for demonstration of both whole-class and individual goals.

Don’t forget to create guidelines, expectations, and a rubric for each type of product so students (and parents) are clear on how the product will be assessed.  You can even involve the students in developing the rubric so they have more input and investment in the assignment.

There are many ways to show what we know.  In the real world, we rarely take exams as a way to measure what we have learned on a daily basis.  Taking time to consider alternative ways for students to produce their thinking for you can not only increase motivation, but make assessing a lot more fun!