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Classroom assessments

Mastery and Motivation: An M&M for Classroom Assessment

The classroom teacher must recognize that test results whether state-mandated or at the classroom level do affect the motivation of students. Students share their test results with classmates and parents. They get praise and recognition from doing well. And, they suffer derision for poor performance.

The pressure on instructors for their students to do well on state-mandated tests has impacted other areas. On a daily basis the classroom teacher faces the dilemma of balancing instruction in basic competencies (as tested in the comprehensive assessments) against more interesting and challenging topics and activities

With the right techniques, however, teachers can positively motivate students through performance assessments while ensuring the students master the skills expected of them. Click here to read this full-length article by JIU professor Dr. C. Richard Smith.

STUDENT MOTIVATION PAYS OFF

  • Test results, whether state-mandated or at the classroom level, do affect the motivation of students.
  • In testing for comprehension, the teacher faces the prospect of undoing student motivation by emphasizing skills performance.
  • In addition to testing mastery, the second purpose of classroom assessment is to motivate students to learn.
  • Often classroom teachers do not think of the motivational affect of tests.
  • Formative assessment is having the student perform the skill, observing the performance, and providing corrective instruction.
  • Corrective action through formative assessment is the basis of student motivation.
  • Through assessment techniques, teachers can both ensure mastery of basic academic skills and improve student motivation.