How to Use Projects As an Assessment Tool in School

Students like completing projects at school.

Project-based learning is vital to a well-balanced curriculum, as it allows students to have some control over what is being learned. Project-based learning verifies that the student can communicate objectives learned through various formats. By implementing these project-based assignments, students can solve problems with inventiveness, insight, and technical skill. When planning a project for students, the instructor must determine the objectives, communicate these objectives to the students using a rubric and then administer a quality assessment.

Instructions

1. Identify the learning standard for the assessment. Every state has learning standards at each grade level available on the state's education website. Target these standards when deciding upon a learning objective to be assessed.

2. Design a project with a rubric that should be communicated to students before they begin the project. The rubric should measure whether or not the standards were achieved, communicate clear expectations and explain what a quality product looks like.

3. Allow students to present the final product in a variety of formats. Examples include presentations, physical models, reports, slide shows, books and experiments. During the display of the student's finished product, make observational assessments while taking notes.

4. Administer two assessments. The first evaluation should be designed so that students have an opportunity to reflect on their efforts and accomplishment. A second assessment allows the teacher to determine whether the student has met the goals and to what extent.

5. Provide feedback on the student's performance. Make sure to include positive observations in addition to areas of improvement.

References

• The rubric builder
• Authentic assessment toolbox
• Assessment of project based learning

Resources

• Authentic assessment toolbox
• U.S. Department of Education