Most students are used to taking end-of-term exams. These exams are critical because they account for a large percentage of every student’s final course grade. However, end-of-term exams can be stressful for students because often, the students are trying to remember a year’s worth of learning. These exams usually have multiple-choice or written response questions with one correct answer.
For years, opponents of these tests have argued that end-of-term exams are not an accurate indicator of student knowledge; instead, they assess a student’s ability to memorize material for a short time. Also, opponents argue that some students do not test well because their nerves affect their ability to focus. Ultimately, the question is: are end-of-year exams fair?
What are Performance Tasks?
In her blog, Replacing Exams with Performance Tests, Dr. Catlin Tucker suggests that performance tasks offer an exciting alternative to the traditional exam format. Unlike conventional exams, which ensure every student takes the same test, performance tasks allow students to choose a format they like. Performance tasks are a different assessment type that enables students to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of the material in a creative way.
Performance Task Examples
The following are performance task examples that teachers can use with students:
- Presentations: Presentations can be executed individually or as a group. Students can present to their class using a whiteboard to write down key thoughts. Alternatively, presenters can use tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, Canva, etc., to add exciting visuals to their presentations.
- Exhibits and Demos: Exhibits or demos are an exciting option for students. An exhibit enables the student to create a tactile display; alternatively, a demo will show how an item works. Exhibits and demos are incredibly cool for science and technology topics. In addition, exhibits and demos can be very interactive with the rest of the class.
- Debates. A debate format allows students to present opposing views on a particular subject. A debate is an exciting format that also gives the students valuable experience in public speaking and forming arguments.
- Portfolios. A portfolio is a collection of the student’s best work. Portfolios are often a collection of artworks or writing samples. Students can present a portfolio of their best work from the school year.
- Audio Podcasts or Videos. Podcasts and videos can provide the students with a creative way to present their ideas in a limited-time format. Both podcasts and videos can be created individually or as a group.
- Websites. A website is a very flexible tool for students to present their work. A website is like a digital portfolio that would allow the student to post artwork, writing samples, or audio and videos.
Performance tasks give all students the opportunity to succeed in school, not just the students that test well. These tasks let students incorporate the material they have learned throughout the year and apply it in a format that works best for them. Students often dread taking their end-of-year exams, but if students are allowed to be assessed on their knowledge in a way that is relevant to them, they may be more enthusiastic about it.
Citations
Hilliard, P. (2015, December 7). Performance-based assessment: Reviewing the basics. Edutopia. Retrieved June 17, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/performance-based-assessment-reviewing-basics-patricia-hilliard
Tucker, C. (2022, April 26). Replacing exams with performance tasks. Dr Catlin Tucker. Retrieved June 17, 2022, from https://catlintucker.com/2022/04/performance-tasks/
Written by: Ivy Schiro
June 17, 2022
