Reference no: EM131112956 , Length:

Write an essay of 1,000-1,250-words in which you address the following questions:

1. How are formative and summative evaluations used in the classroom?

2. How are these evaluations different in a K-3 and a Birth-Pre-K learning environment?

3. Why is it important to use informal evaluation methods with preschool and primary children?

4. How is diagnostic evaluation used in instructional planning?

5. What strategies does the early childhood teacher use to assess young students using formative and summative measures?

6. What are the names of specific types of formative/summative assessments used in K-3 and Birth-Pre-K classrooms?

To complete this assignment, use the GCU Library to research a minimum of three to five scholarly articles, use your course texts, and intE early childhood educators in your local school or district.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for sue completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.

Introduction

Assessments supply educators with the information they need to provide meaningful learning experiences for students of all ages. Teachers are tasked with the overwhelming job of helping students achieve success in school and in life. It is imperative that educators use assessments in effective ways to guide instruction.

Alternative Types of Assessment

Alternative assessments come in a variety of methods, approaches, and outcomes. It is important to consider the qualities and abilities of the students when determining which assessment to use. There are eight broad categories appropriate for early childhood classrooms and students:

1. Critical Thinking and Making Judgments
a) Evaluating
i) Story retell
ii) Predict and make inferences

2. Solving Problems and Developing Plans
a) Analyzing data and applying information
b) Cooperative groups

3. Demonstrating Techniques
a) Application, dramatize, illustrate
i) Demonstration
ii) Role play
iii) Production, e.g., video, audio

4. Managing and Developing Oneself
a) Synthesis; arrange, prepare, assemble, design
i) Journal
ii) Portfolio
iii) Group work

5. Assessing and Managing Information
a) Application
0 Review and paraphrase information
ii) Collect data

6. Demonstrating Knowledge and Understanding
a) Knowledge I) Recall ii) Define
iii) True-false, multiple choice

7. Designing, Creating, Performing
a) Application, dramatize, illustrate
i) Performance

8. Communicating

a) Comprehension

i) Describe

ii) Classify

iii) Review

iv) Report

The major benefit of the utilization of alternative types of assessment is that early childhood educators are offered an assortment of methods that take into account the variety of learning styles students have. The spotlight is on communication between the teacher and the students, not on right and wrong answers. These types of assessments are built around student interest and high motivation; educators will see more student engagement and subsequent retention of the material presented.