Constructivism
Click here for an introduction to constructivism.
Critical Thinking:
Basic Questions and Answers
In this interview, Richard Paul, a leader in the critical-thinking movement,
provides an overview of critical thinking and discusses its effects on learning
and assessment.
Problem
Based Learning, by Bob Benoit
This article describes the basic ideas of problem-based learning and discusses
the process for using this tool in the classroom. Here are examples of how to
conduct a classroom in which the students hone their problem solving skills.
Project Helping
Hands
Here is a project that is typical of problem-based learning. This interactive
group lesson has students role playing within a nonprofit organization that
is trying to improve the quality of life in rural Africa.
Using
Technology in the Classroom: Strategies and Paths
Visit this section of Ed's Oasis for an annotated list of links about constructivism
and online tools. Look for strategies on using technology in the classroom.
Beyond Test Scores
How Can Parents Judge the Quality of Their Schools?
This article discusses the different views parents have of their children’s
schools based on assessments.
Electronic
Portfolios
Find out what you should include in an electronic portfolios and how to create
and assess one. You can also view examples and resources.
i*EARN
Projects
These projects encompass the following subject areas: creative and language
arts; humanities and social studies; science and the environment. Projects are
focused on making a difference on the planet. Look for volunteer and action
opportunities.
Montpelier Portfolio Program
By visiting this site you can see examples of a portfolio-based mathematics
program. Note the problem-solving and communication criteria that are provided.
Learn how teachers can accurately assess student performance.
New
Century School House
In this project, educators have redesigned the rooms of a traditional schoolhouse
to suit the needs of the 21st century. You can use a clickable floorplan to
explore the rooms in the school.
Surfaquarium:
I Think, Therefore, M.I.!
This site addresses the nine types of intelligences, based on Howard Gardner's
work. For each intelligence, examples of online tools and resources are provided.
Sunland
Elementary School - Phoenix, Arizona
At this school, curriculum integration helps combine innovative approaches to
instruction and meaningful assessments within the school day. This award-winning
school site showcases curriculum and technology integration.
Teachers Ideas and Practices
about Assessment and Instruction
These PDF files share the results of teachers’ experiences with authentic
assessment. This site provides an overview of current practices and attitudes
towards instruction and assessment of student learning.
The
Authentic Assessment Project
This site contains lesson plans for science and for language arts/social studies.
Each lesson plan includes authentic assessment and its possibilities for instruction.
Ellis
Island Project
This lesson plan asks students to make a scrapbook based on the experiences
of an immigrant family arriving at Ellis Island. The lesson plan includes online
resources and an evaluation rubric.
Peer Assessment
Learn how peers are used to assess class work. Read How and What Are Peers to
Teach Each Other?
Project-Based Learning
Checklists
Checklists can be a time saving tool to use for student projects. At this Web
site you can customize project checklists for various subject areas and grade
levels.
Student
Self-Assessment
Read about the Accomplished Practice Competencies to measure teachers in the
areas of Assessment, Communication, Critical Thinking, Diversity, Ethics, Human
Development and Learning, Knowledge of Subject Matter, Learning Environments,
and Technology.
Empowering Students
through Negotiable Contracting to Draft Rubrics for Authentic Assessment
Students take more ownership for their learning when they are involved in creating
rubrics. This article has background information and examples for involving
students in their own assessment.
Just
What is a Rubric?
Designed for parents, this Web site provides an introduction to rubrics. Note
the student opinions about rubrics at the bottom of the page.
Rubric
Bank
This site has PDF versions of sample rubrics for all subject areas, including
math, science, social studies, reading, writing, and fine arts.