The use of medical metaphors of different types of language tests such as diagnostic test, a screening test, a remedial test have misled many language teachers and educators into believing that such tests are panacea for all L2 learning difficulties and ensure successful language learning. They seem to put an overemphasis on learning product…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of incorporating higher order thinking skills (HOTS) in a school-based assessment (SBA) on mathematics achievement among students. A mixed-method case study design was used to assess a sample size of 158 students and three mathematics teachers. The students' proficiency in mathematics was…

In 1984 Benjamin Bloom stated that one-to-one tutorial support increased students' achievement by two standard deviations (two sigma problem). In the literature for solving two sigma problem (in order to increase student achievement), many systems were developed as intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive hypermedia systems, recommender systems and…

Proponents of dynamic testing have advocated its use as a replacement or addition to conventional tests. This research aimed to investigate the effects of using versus not using a pretest on both the outcome on the posttest and the processes used in solving inductive reasoning tasks in dynamic testing using a graduated prompts training.…

Scientists and other professionals across the globe require employees to collaborate, think critically, and solve problems effectively. To this end, the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS) have a vision of ensuring that through inquiry, collaboration, and evidence-based instruction, students will have the necessary skills to be…

Traditional teacher education programs focus on pedagogy and, to a lesser extent, assessments of knowledge (Siedlecki, 2012). Pedagogy and assessments should be fundamental components of any secondary teacher's curriculum planning (Knight, Shum, & Littleton, 2014). This study sought to consider the possible effects of three pedagogical…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical method that challenges students to think intuitively, learn cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to real world problems. These problems are used as the building blocks to engage students' curiosity and initiate independent learning of subject matter. Authentic, alternative assessment plays a key…

Can students with learning and attention difficulties in school actually be talented scientists in disguise? This article presents a model that was highly successful in identifying and developing scientific talent in these special students. The factors that contributed to the success of the model were the following: The emphasis was on helping…

Addresses drama in the early childhood classroom as a useful tool for focusing on many of the current concerns in education including problem solving, integration of curriculum, writing across the curriculum, and authentic assessment. (RS)

The Hawaii Algebra Learning Project (HALP) developed a curriculum that intertwines algebraic content, instructional methods, and assessment techniques with a problem-solving focus. (MKR)

This report describes a program for improving students' depth of understanding through the use of alternative assessment. The targeted population consisted of students at one elementary, one junior high, and two high schools in two growing middle class communities in northern Illinois. Lack of student understanding was documented through teacher…

Effects of introducing performance-based assessments into the classroom were studied by examining instruction, student learning, and teacher attitudes and practices. As part of the larger study, workshops were conducted with third-grade teachers from three schools engaged in constructing performance assessments of literacy. Data from transcripts…

Many professions are increasingly emphasizing the role of reflection, encouraging educators to look for appropriate ways to help students engage in reflective practice during their professional preparation. Journal writing is an insightful and powerful instructional technology utilizing strategies that foster understanding and the application of…

This digest discusses the origins of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, his definition of intelligence, the incorporation of the theory into the classroom, and its role in alternative assessment practices. Gardner defines intelligence as the "capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more…

Elaborates the final step of Polya's heuristic model, reflecting, to improve students' problem-solving performance. After checking answers for accuracy, the following steps are suggested: (1) test reasonableness and practicality; (2) write a summary paragraph; (3) find other solutions; (4) change the conditions; and (5) extend the problem. (MKR)