When I was a teacher back in the Philippines, there were times when I couldn’t help but be disappointed with the result of my student’s quizzes and exams. That made me realized that there are a lot of better things to do more when it comes to checking their understanding. So, this doesn’t mean that I am totally unaware of the important roles of educational assessment in the teaching and learning process. With those low scores I got from my students, it made me realized that students learn best when you give them practical tests instead of bombarding them with such lengthy exams. There are students who did well in long tests, perhaps those students who are academically inclined and have had a good memory in answering identification or multiple-choice type of tests. There were students who did well in essay writing in which they can apply what they have learned from the lessons.
As I have mentioned, the results of the students’ assessment can be used as a tool in improving our method of giving enhanced assessment for the betterment of student’s understanding. Added to that, it can also be a tool for teachers to check whether we need to change our methods of teaching because apparently, what we normally do is not that effective which reflect the students’ scores in the test. I always believe in the timely feedback to be the most effective way for a teaching to know the students’ understanding, that is to ask question, random questions related to the topic during the discussion. That way, a timely feedback is given. If the student cannot explain or answer the questions, perhaps it is time for the teacher to think of other ways to teach a specific subject matter.
Can I now imagine how assessment can be made meaningful and perhaps even enjoyable for students? Definitely! I learned a lot of forms of assessment to use inside the class. The thing is, assessment is only done through written exams like those traditional methods such as quizzes, chapter test, etc. As a teacher, we can use spot check or questioning inside the class to stimulate their memory, understanding and foster their thinking skills. We can also use the practical test to assess their ability vis-a-vis the lessons being discussed. And most of all, we can use the “game method of assessment. This way, the learning can be retained in the students’ mind. For me, employing the art of questioning and understanding through practice and games are effective methods of assessment.
Test Paper - Blog by Noriel Banes 
Hi Noriel!
Kudos to you, teacher! I do hope that for the sake of all students, all teachers would be like you – able to identify and more importantly act on an observation as to why students have very different responses to various types of testing.
I totally agree that a teacher does not stop until learning is achieved. There are different ways and methods that can be employed – the real concern is do teachers have the time, energy and resource to explore them? More than ever, the support of the government would be crucial in the success of the learning process. Having said that, I do hope that the Department of Education reflect on the quality of education in our country. Testing through quizzes and other written exams are just a small part of the entire process – but it DOES NOT constitute the whole assessment. Perhaps it is time for us to look into what can be improved, what needs to be changed, and know the results we want to get. Our education system itself needs assessment.
More power!
Wayne
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Hello Ms. Wayne:
I am flattered by your response in my blog entry. We, teachers, need enough resources in order for us to do what we do best – to teach efficiently and effectively. It is actually a demand that needs an answer from our government. Their support is what the teachers have been screaming since a decade ago, on top of that, teachers are one of the underpaid professionals in our country.
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Hi Teacher Noriel,
As a student, you’re one of the amazing teachers that i looked up to and im sure you will be a great teacher someday. I hope that all teachers reflect on the results of the tests or the exams and make use of it to improve teaching skills and techniques.
Thank you and Regards,
Haidee
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Hello Noriel,
It shows that you put passion in your profession. Each student has a different pace in learning and it also needs different styles of teaching for them to achieve learning. Not all educators have patience like yours who continued to explore possibilities and active learning methods just to successfully achieved good assessment.
The types of assessment you mentioned such as practical activity and deep questioning will enable the students to discuss their ideas and improve their thinking skills and achieve a better understanding of the concept of the lesson. I hope I would be adept in evaluating students success after this course.
Thanks for sharing.
Gina Apiag
Teacher
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