Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.
Tests and quizzes have been used as the primary means of assessing students in the classroom for a long time because of their objective nature. Using quizzes, teacher-created tests, or standardized tests has allowed for “fair” and “unbiased” evaluation. Whether the format is multiple choice, true/false, or short answer, the ability for a teacher’s opinions to affect the grade the student receives is minimized. For this reason, other forms of assessment are often avoided, regardless of the many benefits of using them.
While there are many different ways to assess students, the objectivity of them varies. Other than using quizzes/tests, there are ways to assess students that still maintain the objective nature. One such form is using a checklist. When a teacher provides students with specific, detailed expectations using a checklist, a score is still given based on the number of items that are completed out of a total number on the list. Using a percentage scale helps to maintain fairness and accountability for students. Some subjectivity exists in the teacher’s perception of whether those items were completed, but it is far less than other forms of assessment.
Another form of assessment that is objective in nature is using a rubric. Again, as with a checklist, it is based on numbers. When teachers provide specific details regarding what attributes of the assignment are required for a perfect grade as well as varying levels of performance, there is little room for misunderstanding. There is still subjectivity on the part of the evaluator to determine which level a student has performed at for each guideline, but again it is reduced in comparison to other forms of assessment.
Although tests may be the most objective form of assessment, objectivity doesn’t automatically make it the most reliable. There are many other factors that make “objective” testing unfair and unbiased. Different learning styles, test anxiety, ability to recall information quickly, and even physical or learning disabilities can take away from the reliability of test results. Allowing students to demonstrate understanding and knowledge in a variety of forms gives a teacher a much better idea as to how much learning has taken place. “Meaningful assessment involves examining the learners’ entire conceptual network, not just focusing on discreet facts and principles.”
