Friday, August 10, 2012

Rationalizing Test Items and Learning Outcomes


It is important to use the correct form of assessment to measure if the learning outcome has been met. There are various types of assessments. Concerning test items there are true/false, essay, multiple-choice, and fill in the blank. The first learning outcome was for the students to reproduce and replicate a given pattern twice. The second learning outcome was for the student to complete the pattern by filling in the missing piece. The third outcome was for the student to create their own pattern. After reaching these goals the student will understand what a pattern is.

I chose the test items involving circling the missing pattern, fill in the blanks, and the true and false because they are more appropriate for the Kindergarten’s difficulty level. These methods involve clear instructions to which the students will understand the directions and be able to implement. These tests reinforce what has been learned and provide an opportunity for the students to demonstrate what they have learned.  Students at the Kindergarten level rely on visual clues. Through having a pattern provided they have the sample. They can then depict what piece is missing and locate it or replicate it. They are also able to assess whether or not something fits a category. Therefore the students will be able to acknowledge if a sample is a pattern or not.

Regarding the essay, Kindergarteners are unable to write essays. However, they are able to orally discuss what they have learned. Their higher-level of thinking is demonstrated through their presentations. Because of this, they can use their words to describe what a pattern is. They can reinforce their definitions with examples. If they understand what a pattern is they will be able to contribute and lead the discussion.

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