Alternative Assessment Methods: Going Beyond Exams in CBSE Schools
It is high time schools look for alternative assessment methods that go beyond the regular exams. Also, it is necessary to achieve the goal of overall personality development in children. The advantage of alternative assessments is they help identify the underlying strengths and weaknesses of students. Luckily some CBSE schools in Ghaziabad have already started using alternative assessment methods.
Here are some popular alternative assessment methods and their advantages
1. Project-based assessment
Most schools follow a project-based assessment model because it allows for identifying the interests, intelligence, and skills of individual students. Also, it is popular because it suits all subjects and students of all ages. Children can be involved in project-based learning even in primary classes. Another advantage of project-based learning is it allows students to get a deeper understanding of a subject.
2. Problem-based assessment
In problem-based assessments, students are provided with typical problems, especially those encompassing critical thinking are assigned to students. A salient feature of this project is it develops individual skills. For example, a problem-based project is assigned to all students and they are allowed to complete the project with the best of their knowledge and skills. Also, they are allowed to use various resources.
3. Presentation
The best schools in Ghaziabad are exploring options in alternative assessment to provide students all opportunities to develop their skills. The schools want students to be enthusiastic about education. In presentation, students are provided different topics or sometimes they are allowed to choose topics for making presentations before teachers and fellow students. It helps in creative thinking and confidence building.
4. Reports
The objective of alternative assessment is to identify the strong points of students. Also, the alternative assessment methods boost critical thinking. For example, take report preparation. Students are provided cases and asked to produce detailed reports on the cases. It helps students develop focus and look beyond basic factors. They assess the cases according to their knowledge and understanding of the subjects.
5. Summaries
Schools are continuously looking for more ways for alternative assessment. Asking students to write a summary on specific topics is a great way to assess their knowledge. A good summary tells many things about a student. For example, you can assess the depth of knowledge and writing skills. The way a summary is produced to tell whether a student is having difficulty in understanding the concept.
6. Interviews
The latest in alternative assessment is interviews. It involves pairing students in groups for interviews. Students interview each other and in this way, display their skills and knowledge. Interviews have another advantage that is they promote healthy competition among students. This type of alternative assessment helps boost knowledge through the exchange of ideas. When a student interviews others, they share their knowledge.
The leading CBSE schools in Ghaziabad are spearheading the change in assessment. They support the idea of alternative assessment because it provides insight into the skills and knowledge of students. Also, the alternative assessment methods bring students out of the pressure of exams.