What is assessment?

To me, assessment always meant taking tests. Taking tests was a way to evaluate a students work. Of course, tests are only one of many assessment techniques a teacher can use. For example, to avoid the stress most students getting when taking a test, a project may be a better option for assessment. If a project is assigned rather then a test, the student can work at their own pace and in a setting where they are comfortable.

I do believe it is unfair to use tests as an only way of assessment, but do realize that tests may be one of the easiest, fastest ways. As a bad test taker myself, I think that if a test where introduced in a more relaxed manner maybe students would not get so worked up and maybe even scores would increase slightly.

I understand fully that students need to be assessed but we all know that when a student is informed they are going to be assessed they go into panic mode. I know for me, that once I complete the test or assessment, majority of the material I had to memorize is forgotten. That is one thing I do not want to make my students feel. I want to make assessment something not to get worked up over, maybe even find a way to make it fun!

A little about me and how I decided I wanted to be a teacher!

Hi everyone! For those of you that do not know me, my name is Erica De Medici and I am a sophomore here at Saint Peter's! I grew up in North Arlington, and then moved to Point Pleasant (where I still live) during my sophomore year in high school. I love sports, especially soccer. I also enjoy basketball, hockey and many others. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, family and boyfriend.

Okay, so now onto how I decided I wanted to become a teacher. For as long as I can remember, I always loved school(not necessarily the work that came along with it). I loved the school atmosphere. For example, during 3rd grade and 5th grade almost everyday was spent after school helping my teacher organize her classroom clean it up, or do small fun projects. Sometimes there were days I would stay with my teacher until almost five o'clock! (I bet she couldn't wait to get rid of me at the end of the year!) Anyway, I came to Saint Peter's knowing I wanted to become a teacher. At one point in deciding what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, I thought I may of wanted to become a special education teacher. After taking elementary ed courses and speaking to a few special ed teachers I know, I realized that maybe general elementary ed was for me. So here I am, in my sophomore year and getting started on my way towards becoming a elementary school teacher!

First Class

Hi, I'm here in class starting my blog. I'm excited to start my Test and Measurements online course. This class is already so different from any other I have taken in the past. I'll come back and write more later!