When looking at how to assess individuals in a collaborative learning community, instructors must find new ways to assess students from traditional methods. Siemens suggests that instructors use one of the four models where students assess their peers, students receive feedback from online communities, educators assess based on student contribution, or educators assess based on metrics from learning management systems (Siemens, 2008). This allows students to be assessed in a fair manner that is tied to stated outcomes. Students should also be assessed in terms of individual growth. According to Siemens (2008), student assessments should be on an individual basis beyond the mark. This shows how students show progression from where they started and end up. This type of assessment also allows instructors to be flexible and be fair and equitable to students individually. Siemens (2008) further states that assessment is not only for the student but it is teaching based that gives the educator feedback and guides for future instruction.
Collaboration in a learning community can sometimes be difficult to achieve. Communication is essential to ensure all members are aware of what role they must play in completing assignments. There are some who prefer to work individually and complete assignments alone. In instances like this, members should consult with the instructor to step in. Palloff and Pratt (2005) state that instructors may need to intervene in cases of under participation to minimize frustration and any conflict. Because of the nature of online courses and the lack of F2F interaction, collaboration and participation are integral components to online learning. As a result, the instructor may assess individuals on their lack of participation.
References
Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Siemens, G. (2008). Assessment of collaborative learning. Vodocast. Laureate Education, Inc.Other comments:
http://kimzuber.blogspot.com/2012/04/assessing-collaborative-efforts.html?showComment=1334504202218#c9124817173195344102
http://charlenedblog.weebly.com/1/post/2012/04/collaboration-assessments.html
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ReplyDeleteTiffany,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Siemens' approach to grading collaborative assignments. It must be fair, equitable, and based on stated outcomes. While watching the video I thought his statement about assessment and teaching was interesting. Siemens stated, "Is assessment different from teaching? No, it is not. Assessment is a teaching based activity that provides an opportunity to give feedback and evaluate ourselves as educators" (Siemens, 2008). It made me start thinking about how I viewed assessments of my students. What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree or disagree with Siemens?
Mel
Reference:
Siemens, G. (2008) Assessment of collaborative learning [Video file].
Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.
learn?CourseID=6509797&Survey=1&4711068223&ClientNodeID=984645&
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Mel,
DeleteHis comment resonated with me too. It reminded me of a professional development course our district required us to take recently. The course was about teaching with the end in mind. In other words, making sure that our assessments are fair, clear and concise, and based on previously stated learning objectives.
~ Danita