Assessments can be conducted on a formal or informal basis and should be used to inform future instructional decisions. Smooth transitions in the classroom guide students from one task to the next. Transitions can be planned to include formal or informal assessments, or as an opportunity to reinforce a concept. In this experience, you will collaborate with other educators to assess student learning during transitional activities.
Allocate 5 hours in the field to support this field experience.
For this field experience, observe a minimum of two lessons, one science and one health/PE/nutrition (an integrated health and science lesson may count for either requirement), led by a certified K-8 teacher. Take note of formal or informal formative assessment practices taking place during the lessons as well as the transitions into and out of the lessons. Note any technology being used to track assessment data.
Additionally, discuss the following with the health/PE teacher and/or science teacher in order to implement your transitional activities:
- How is assessment data collected, analyzed, and used to develop instruction and promote student growth?
- How do you ethically maintain and utilize data to respect the privacy of all students?
- How do you differentiate learning activities and assessment to address the needs of diverse students?
With your mentors permission, create and implement two formal or informal transitional activities that can each be completed in five minutes or less. These activities should reinforce or assess the NHES and/or science standard while maximizing student involvement and efficiency. With input from your mentor teacher, plan your activities in writing ahead of time. Include the following:
- A description of the activities, indicating whether the activity is intended for assessment or reinforcement. At least one of the activities should be a
- formative assessment to check for students understanding of the lesson from which they are transitioning.
- A consideration of diverse learning needs, including ways for students to speak and move during the activity.
Use any remaining field experience hours to assist the teacher in providing instruction and support to the class.
Write a 250-500 word reflection of one of the observed lessons, your discussion with the health/PE teacher and/or science teacher, and the implementation of your transitional activities. Include the following:
- Describe the assessment techniques used in the science or health/PE/nutrition classroom that you observed. How do these assessments consider diverse learning needs and ensure the ethical use of data?
- Summarize the data collection strategies used by the teachers you spoke with, including how data was managed ethically and privacy was maintained.
- Reflect on the transition activities and the assessment you used. What went well? What improvements can be made?
APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion
