Performance assessment is one alternative to traditional methods of testing student achievement. Grade 2 learners did a performance assessment last week instead of doing a traditional pencil and paper assessment. They were challenged to use their higher-order thinking skills to create a project. In groups, they worked as a team to build food chains, identify consumers and producers, and distinguish healthy habits from unhealthy ones. Working together on their own, they developed both their interpersonal and communication skills. Moreover, they got engaged in an authentic interdisciplinary work which involved them in the process of assessing their own growth. A performance assessment requires learners to demonstrate their knowledge and acquired skills actively. Furthermore, it focuses on developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Its inquiry-based method of active learning integrates “knowing” and “doing”. This kind of testing required the grade 2 learners to perform a task rather than answer questions on a paper. They really enjoyed the project and seemed to be happy, and as a result were productive, creative, and motivated. They were able to break complex tasks into simple steps, plan and manage time, and develop stronger communication skills.
Suzy Gosdanian
Science Teacher
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