“Learning involves patience and time.” -FPPL
Our style of assessment is ongoing throughout the learning process rather than being a tool limited to the end of units. With our philosophies of student interest being prioritized and how learning will be done through doing, we believe it is important to give students plenty of autonomy and opportunity in the assessment process. Instead of focussing on the end product, we put an emphasis on the growth and development of our students. We will find out where students are when they start their journey, multiple times throughout, and then again at the end. This encourages students to work hard at what they are doing to improve. By taking the pressure off of the final product, there will be less pressure to meet unrealistic and rigid standards set by the instructor.
Here are some examples of our assessment style:
•Student and instructor check-ins regularly throughout the school year to ensure students needs are being met and that instructors can see if they are progressing or not. It is important to have plenty of dialogue to allow time for students to share their ideas and concerns but as well as teachers updating them on how they are doing.
•There will be opportunity for students to choose how they do projects as long as they meet curriculum competencies. Students have varying needs, interests and strong points and to expect all students to excel in a single format is unrealistic. With more autonomy, there will be more interest and motivation in the projects and the learning process.
•Continuing with the philosophy of learning by doing, we will avoid standardized testing but rather have hands on activities where student learning will be assessed during. We will look for student growth and improved ability with these hands on, practical projects.
•Through critical self-reflection, students will be able to track their own progress throughout their school year. It will allow students to move beyond experiencing and towards understanding their learning. This will also allow instructors to gain an insight into their progress.
