Assessments

Formal Assessment - traditional/conventional methods of testing - sometimes called norms based testing. Used for achievement tests such as the SAT9 - assist in ranking students according to peer groups. Easy to administer as materials are highly specialized. Has a heavy reliance on multiple choice questions. Difficult to change.

Informal Assessment - centered on content and performance - homework (!!!), debates, experiments - providing quick and immedate results to instructor

Quantitative Assessments

Qualitative Assessments

Technology-based Assessments - use of the computer as a tool to enhance the quality and efficiency of educational assessments. One example of technology-based assessments would be the use web based student portfolios measuring student progress and/or ability to apply various computer applications. Technology-based assessments can also fall under the teacher's use of tests and quizzes in an electronic format.

Assessment Issues
 * Bias
 * Reliability
 * Validity