When it comes to assessing young children holistically I think that everything about the child should be measured. Young children are still growing and developing physically, emotionally and cognitively; therefore, all of those areas should be assessed. Young children are using every thing around them and about them to learn, not just what they learn in math or science class. They are learning language skills from their families. They may learn how to sing from listening to the radio. I have always believed that assessment and standardized tests do not accurately measure how much a child knows. I can remember taking an assessment test in Kindergarten and feeling so nervous to do my best so I wouldn't disappoint my parents. I can only imagine how much pressure children feel when having to take a test to prove that they are not "behind". Nervousness alone can cause a child to not do so well.
One again I decided to look at assessment testing in Nigeria. They give assessment tests from primary schooling up to college. I found that educators are looking towards a more holistic approach as a means of measuring students performance. They use the tern "Holistic Assessment Measure" which measures cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. They did a study with teachers using this new approach and many found it to be very affective.
I think it's great that educators in Nigeria are choosing to assess their students holistically. I think that if we all assess children holistically we will appreciate children and their uniqueness. We will also be able to understand why a child may be struggling in reading or when a 2 year old has fewer words compared to his classmates.
Click here for the full study done in Nigeria.
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ReplyDeleteHi Dorcas,
ReplyDeleteI can remember taking standardized tests in school as well. But, when I was in school there wasn't any emphasis placed on taking these tests. We understood it to be a necessary evil at the end of every year. We actually looked forward to test day because it meant no homework, no class instruction, longer lunch, and snack breaks. We never heard about the results of these tests and to this day I have no idea how they were really used. For whatever purpose they served (way back when) the teachers exhibited no signs of stress regarding these tests, my parents never mentioned them, it was not a topic of public discussion, and teachers were not "teaching to the test".
My point is that testing has always been in place in this country. No Child Left Behind took it to a level of anti-education;anti-teachers; and anti-children. NCLB was supposed to support the school systems and instead it has become a divisive tool undermining what education should stand for: children and families.
It is good that Nigeria has begun to measure children holistically.
It is sad that it has taken decades for educators worldwide to realize that you must invest in the whole child to have a positive impact and a healthy outcome.
Hi Mimi!
ReplyDeletethanks for your response. I agree with you I did enjoy the no homework, snacks and longer lunches!
It's strange you never received your results. We always received ours and everyone always made a big deal to find out who did better than who!
Dorcas,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, this picture is right on point, this child looks soooo inquisitive. Secondly, your faithfullness to Nigeria is truely inspiring, I pray you will continue to advocate for excellence in your country.
The fact that you have infomation on current research and projects concerning assessment in your countries shows that your leaders are trying to create a better Nigera.
Thanks for the info this week. Great post!
Dorcas,
ReplyDeleteFinally someone says it and feels the same way I do!!!! Those standardized test do not always accurately measure what a child is capable of. I remember as a child in school taking test I would bomb a test because of the pressure that ways being put on me to pass it. I enjoyed reading your post and the vision that you seem to have. I believe that children should be taken off of this labeling, stereotyping spectrum and just seen as unique individuals and move forward.
Lauren