Student Assessment

Imagine a classroom buzzing with energy, where students wield the power to assess and uplift each other’s work. Picture them armed not just with pens, but with kindness and specificity, crafting feedback that nurtures growth. The secret is in gradual empowerment, a step-by-step journey. Start small, provide the scaffolding they need, and watch as they flourish. There’s no shortage of chances for them to practice this invaluable skill and the art of giving and receiving feedback isn’t confined to the classroom. It's a life skill, a true superpower.

What impact might this experience have on your students’ confidence levels, communication skills, and work? How might this affect the learning culture in your classroom?

What skills do you think are most important for your students to develop in this process?

How might bringing students into the assessment process change your workload, your role in the room?

How might student motivation be affected by the prospect of having their work reviewed by peers?

How did you handle situations when a student’s critique of a classmate was unproductive or hurtful?

How might you prepare for or resolve disagreements that may arise over student assessments? How would you mitigate potential parental or administrative complaints?

Check out these resources:

WATCH: El Education’s ‘Austin’s Butterfly - Building Excellence in Student Work’

READ: “Effective Feedback for Deeper Learning” - Actively Learn

WATCH: ‘Descriptive Feedback Techniques Part 1 with Rick Wormeli’

READ: “The Value of Reciprocal Feedback” - Edutopia

READ: “Assessing The Impact of Peer Grading During Formative Years” - W. Tarimo