Differentiating Assessment



Differentiation of assessment can have tremendous benefits for the students in a classroom. Research strongly suggest that there are many different types of learners that possess various strengths and weaknesses in terms of the methods in which they retain information most effectively. Blooms development of the multiple intelligences is a great example of a framework showing the various ways that educators can convey concepts so that the students are most likely to have a clear understanding of the material being presented to them. It is important to use the strengths that the students possess in order to help them achieve at the highest level possible. But as educators, we must also recognize the importance of developing the students weaknesses and building them into strengths as well. Giving students options and choices in the classroom can act as a huge motivator. If the students in our classroom feel that we as teachers take the time to create an assessment that is tailored to their individual learning needs, they are likely to feel empowered by their success and accountable for ensuring that they achieve further successes in their learning career. Differentiating assessment is very supportive of the process of assessment for learning also known as formative assessment. The intention of formative assessment is to provide feedback to the student that lets them know what progress they have made and where improvement is still needed in their work. Formative assessment is also a tool for teachers to see what strategies they are using that are helping the students to grow and learn and which are ineffective with the students. By using differentiated formative assessment teachers are far better able to pin point the strengths and weaknesses that their students possess and work toward using their strengths to build and develop their areas of need.