Education and Child Study 240 - How Do We Know What Students Are Learning

This course serves as an introduction to the theories, strategies and techniques that form the bases for assessing learning in classrooms. The focus is on the assumptions, strengths and weaknesses associated with various approaches. Students encounter a variety of instruments and methods used for summative and formative evaluations of student comprehension, learning needs, and academic progress. Students also develop authentic assessment tools as they work through evaluation problems associated with particular curriculum programs and instructional techniques. This course has a community-based project that requires a regular out-of-class time commitment and a final group presentation for a professional learning community of Smith College Campus School teachers and staff. Enrollment limited to 20.