Reflect on This
Which is the best way to get valid information on children and their learning—standardized tests or authentic assessment?
Teachers need to have a clear understanding of the purposes and benefits of observation and assessment to identify a child’s current competency levels. We rely on observation of skills the child has mastered, which then informs our future planning. For children experiencing difficulties, we use the data to support early identification and referral for specific difficulties and the introduction of appropriate intervention strategies. The observation and assessment processes can also be used to identify the effectiveness of the environment, specific areas of the curriculum, specific activities, and the teaching strategies used. None of these can take place without prior observation and assessment of the current situation (www.sagepub.com/upm-data/9656_022816Ch5.pdf).
Do you think observation and assessment is important ? Why?