The BilBea Learning Journey

I’m thinking of relabeling this course for my own benefit to Assessment Principles in Practice. This new title sits better with the aims I have in mind for this course. Beginning with the end in mind these are my thoughts regarding Assessment Principles in Practice’s learning aims.

What do I need to know about assessment that I don’t know now?
My knowledge of assessment is through VET competency style assessment and testing for English level in 2nd language speakers. So more knowledge in general is my first aim.

I really want to know how to assess people authentically within a learning community that is as painless as possible (for teacher and students), relevant (for use outside of class) while still gathering enough information to judge the students’ competency and knowledge of the subject.

What do I need to be able to do that I don’t do now?

Design, run and mark an authentic, relevant and interesting piece of assessment with ease.

What are the sources of that knowledge/skill?
Literature would be my biggest source as I don’t have as much background knowledge on this subject. Also, I’m interested in the practical of designing a piece of assessment. I’ll be reflecting on the theory and practical also.

Are there useful interactions in which I can participate in order to acquire it? What other things might I do?
Definitely, asking others about their experience as we go through the course and participating heavily in the practical component (designing an assessment). Asking them and myself – how well does this achieve its goal? how could we design a more interactive, pain-free assessment? Is this assessment useful to the student outside of class? etc. And of course, reflection on my own actions.

How will I know that I am accessing the correct information and if I am comprehending the knowledge base adequately?
Checking back at this posting for my personal aims. Perhaps I could create a project out of my aims with to-do’s, etc. Of course, reflecting on my aims and how the course is progressing.

How can I test out my new knowledge/skill in the context of an applied situation, and through social interaction?
The first test would be the practical inside the course. The next would be actually designing and assessing something (possibly online along with a course). For me this will start off slowly, but increase over the next year.