BALANCED ASSESSMENT: LEARNING HARMONY

Estimated time to complete this module: 2 hours

We have talked a lot about formative assessment. And aside from just what assessments you choose, you also want to consider how you are distributing them throughout your instruction. Across each lesson, and within each lesson, we want to sprinkle in opportunities for learners to check their understanding and apply what they have learned. This is, in part, what we are talking about when we say "balanced assessment". Below is a video that revisits the topic of formative assessment, this time from a lens of maintaining balance. As you watch, think about your own instruction. Do learners have opportunities to apply what they have learned throughout your course?

BALANCED OR UNBALANCED? YOU BE THE JUDGE

Hopefully, the content above helps explain what we are talking about when it comes to balanced assessment. Remember that the fundamental idea is giving learners the chance to apply their learning throughout a lesson/unit/course, rather than loading it all onto one big assessment at the end.

In keeping with the philosophy of balanced assessment, we are going to do an assessment right now! Below you will find a video in which three separate scenarios are presented. For each scenario, consider whether you feel it is incorporating balanced assessment practices or not. Some scenarios may not be that clear cut. Focus less on getting a right answer and more on rationale to support your perspective. You will pause the video for each scenario and provide a comment below as to whether you feel the scenario is balanced or not and why. You are welcome to watch the video multiple times before leaving comments, and you can leave more than one comment per scenario if you wish. You can refer to this guide if you need help with leaving a comment on the video. If you have questions, feel free to reach out!