assessments in the classroom and how to better them for the students

Assessments in school have always been so mediocre, and are either straight from the textbook or a teacher trying to trick you.  Many students I know have managed to play the "game" and easily ace tests but retain no information, I never could.  I always do well on tests where I apply what I'm learning and less just reiterating the textbook.  These are just a few different styles of assessment, specifically for English but not limited to the English classroom, that require the student to learn, apply, and help them later in life.

Oral presentation:

Oral presentations are scary for most students, but they will never become easy if you don't do them.  One of my favorite school presentations was earlier this year in my English class, where we had a choice to either write a rap, and perform it in class, or write an inspirational speech, then perform it.  We were all given a long time to write, and we could go in during lunch or study hall to practice and get critiqued on our performance.  I chose a rap, and it was one of my favorite school experiences, everyone in our class was very positive with each other, and it helped almost everybody's confidence in the class.

Creative writing:

Creative writing allows the student to let their imagination free, and use all forms of writing.  This can truly show a students writing ability and their progress throughout their writing career.  These could be in the form of quick writes. Essays where a prompt is answered and analyses of poems, songs, or any other form of literature.  For more on creative writing and implementing it in the classroom, view my earlier blog, http://btb-dawson.blogspot.com/2017/03/implementing-creative-writing-into.html

Teacher-made assessment:

Tests and quizzes made by the teacher is a great way to test the students on what is being learned, especially for grammar and any other subjects being learned.  It is important for the teacher to make it on what has truly been focused on in class, and not just something in fine text in the corner of a flip chart.  These will show that a student can apply what they are learning and if the assessment is made correctly it will help the student better understand how to apply the information.

Using different assessment forms in the classroom will not only allow the student to learn more, but will also intrigue them much more than the classic scantron test.  From the student’s perspective, these forms of assessment are not only the most helpful, but are much less dreadful, they even allow you to apply what is being learned, a key factor in any classroom.

"What Are Some Types of Assessment?" Edutopia. N.p., 15 July 2008. Web. 21 May 2017.