Are tests the only objective assessment of student learning?

As I pondered this idea during this assignment and I had to really think critically. And, in a word-no, I would not consider tests to be the only objective assessment of student learning; especially if by “objective”, one means, not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts; unbiased: an objective opinion (Dictionary.com, 2010).

There are a plethora of different methods through which a student’s true learning knowledge can be assessed which are, in deed, objective. Further, a vast majority of modern assessments measure what is learned more in-depth by allowing students to employ their higher thinking skills. Having students participate in a debate, for example, either for or against a given topic, allows them to synthesize information and formulate ideas which might not be perceived or understood as thoroughly if they were given a multiple-choice test.

Students participating in performances or presentations, while given more flexibility, typically recall at greater lengths the information presented due to the type of interaction that is required. Assessments such as these are called authentic assessment and are driven by a constructivist point of view. As Smaldino, Lowther, and Russell state, there is rising interest in authentic assessment, “because [it requires] students to use processes appropriate to the content and skills being learned and to how they are used in the real world, (p. 108, 2008).

In order to produce well-rounded students, a variety of assessment methods is desirable. Students need to be able to rely on their strengths. Assessments should consider learning styles and intelligences of the students. Tests, while heavily emphasized today, do have their place, but are more useful in providing a better overall picture of the student when combined with authentic assessments.

References:

Dictionary.com (2010). Retrieved June 22, 2010 fromhttp://dictionary.reference.com/browse/objective

Smaldino, S.C., Lowther, D.L. & Russell, J.D., (2008). Instructional technology and media for learning (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.

The above video is on Authentic Assessment and I found it relevant. Suppose there were no authentic assessment? What would learning look like?

paxpax18 (2008). Authentic Assessment Method retrieved June 22, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEZNqAKtarc&feature=related