John Hattie's research on the most effective approaches to student learning has been instrumental in providing teachers with clear strategies to help students make gains. All teachers desire to see students grow as much as possible, and knowing what techniques work best is invaluable.
One of the most effective strategies, proven to provide more than one year's growth when utilized, is student self-assessment.
Student self-assessment is not students grading their own papers all the time, or giving themselves grades for a course, but rather students truthfully evaluating how well they understand the topic at hand. It can be used as a pre-assessment prior to a lesson and a formative assessment as learning takes place. Please don't misunderstand. This process is not ONLY for students. Teachers (as usual) are the force that makes this strategy most effective!
In order for this approach to be truly effective, teachers need to use the student self-assessment to provide targeted assistance and encourage students to push past what they think they can do. It involves students setting goals and using rubrics to evaluate their progress, reflecting on goals and setting some new ones. It can be tied to clear feedback (another highly effective strategy when timely, supportive and specific), and is always cyclical. Ultimately, shorter goal cycles are best to allow for frequent reflection and noticeable progress.
For example, a student who has a goal of earning a 5 on the AP exam at the end of the year, may not realize the steps needed to achieve the goal. But a student who wants to learn how to solve a stoichiometry problem can easily reflect on whether they know how to do the essentials of this task (balance an equation, calculate molar mass, use Dimensional Analysis).
Consider ways you might have students engage in self reflection in the next unit you teach. Try a few ideas. See if it makes a difference! Spring is usually a time of lost focus and tired students, so this might just be the best time to become a little more goal focused.
Have a great week!
Kim
What a novel idea! Self assessments and other inclusive collaborative tools are an excellent way to raise the bar in education. But there have to be ground rules. It is not so much about a reactive assessment about the instructor. Rather, a thoughtful and reflective contribution to improving the entire process of education. This takes time and energy and personal investment!