Discusses using two alternative assessment methods, journals and portfolios, with preservice teachers in an elementary mathematics methods course. (Contains 13 references.) (ASK)

After reading self-selected books, students respond to reading in a journal and talk about their books daily in small, heterogeneous groups. The teacher guides and assesses students work by rotating among the groups, offering suggested response prompts and writing with them in their dialogue journals. During five 30-40 minute sessions, students…

Family Message Journals are tools for learning, thinking, and self-expression. By writing several messages with varied purposes, students begin to experience that journal writing can serve many purposes. It can help them remember; make sense of new information and ideas; and recognize, develop, and share personal thoughts and reactions. During…

Assessment is more than simply ascribing an 'A' or a 'B' to a particular student achievement. In an era of state-mandated proficiencies and alternative assessment strategies, educators need practical ideas they can use to meaningfully assess their students' learning and their own practice. This issue of "ENC Focus" centers on the topic…

Reports results of a four-year experiment integrating writing into secondary mathematics classrooms. Discusses (1) the development of a pedagogical model for mathematics journal keeping; and (2) the practicalities of implementing journal writing in the curriculum. Includes sample journal entries. (12 references) (MDH)

Argues that instructional strategies, like cooperative learning and inquiry-based learning, require new methods of evaluating student performance. Describes an assessment portfolio approach to student evaluation with four components: (1) a Decision of the Week; (2) a History Log; (3) Geo Storms; and (4) a Point-Counterpoint debate topic. Includes…

Presents tips to help teachers develop and manage valid, truly authentic assessments that are linked to daily class instruction, discussing how to refine assessments, get parents involved, encourage self-assessment, and make criteria clear. A model developmental reading scale for bringing more uniformity to reading assessment is presented. (SM)

This manual, which is designed for home economics teachers who are interested in using alternative forms of student assessment, shares current thinking, research, and practices regarding the use of alternative forms of assessment in family and consumer sciences occupational programs. The manual is divided into three parts. Part 1, which is devoted…

Compares the use of standardized tests and authentic assessment to measure student progress and achievement in art education. Reviews a variety of authentic assessment models and techniques. Concludes that authentic assessment is a powerful measure of student achievement and teaching effectiveness. (CFR)

Describes journal writing as an element of multimodal teaching. Discusses how students utilize journal writing that includes pictures, numbers, symbols, and manipulatives to help understand mathematical concepts. Provides a form to evaluate students' portfolio writing and examples of students' evaluated work. (Contains 12 references.) (MDH)

This guide is intended to help teachers implement the prescribed outcomes in the Program of Studies for Health and Life Skills, Kindergarten to Grade 9 (2002). The goal of the program is to enable students to make well-informed, healthy choices and develop behaviors that contribute to the wellbeing of self and others. After describing…

This book introduces adult educators and trainers to the principles and techniques of learner evaluation in the various contexts of adult education. The following are among the topics discussed: (1) the purposes of evaluation (the importance of authentic evaluation; principles of evaluation; traps in evaluation); (2) evaluating one's philosophy…

This book, which is intended as a text for future and experienced adult educators, examines current theories and best practices in adult education. The book consists of 20 chapters written by prominent practitioners in the field of adult education. The chapter titles and authors are as follows: "Teachers Sharing Experiences" (James A. Draper);…