Chapter 1 Reflection

For the second week of class, we learned about assessments and testing and how they are different. When I began reading the chapter, I finally learned the difference between assessments and tests. I finally understand that assessments are an ongoing process of "appraising" a person's ability. In my class we have to observe and test each kindergartner on certain skills such as fine motor skills and personal information. This assessment carries on from 1st quarter to the 4th quarter.

The chapter not only talks about tests and assignments, but also the fear of taking tests and the reasons why certain tests may be difficult especially for ESL students. Based on what I am seeing in my classroom, several students in the primary grade levels do not understand the reasons for tests and then there are those set of students who do know about tests. For those who know about tests, I learned that these set of students try to miss school so they wont be tested. I have one student who gets very nervous when it comes to tests and his mother told me that he tried to stay home on the day I was conducting a test. According to his mother, "he said he was not feeling well and that he is scared about the test because he did not practice during the weekend." I Ended up talking to the students and reminded him that he has nothing to worry about and all he has to do is try his best.

Learning everyday from my students, I try not to use the word test and now I say we are going to play a game. For assessments, I also make it a game for them so I could observe and mark which student needs help is certain areas.

Overall, I learned a great deal from this chapter and I look forward to reading more.