bscal014_journals+2

Brianna Scalera Assessment Journal #2 Context: Many forms of assessment exist within a classroom. Informal assessment takes place throughout the day and when the students’ least expects it. In a first grade classroom a teacher can learn a lot about his/her students from informal assessment. The teacher I work with observes her students using observation assessment while they read with partners. Details: Each student chooses a book that is on their reading level. Students get to choose partners and they also get to choose where in the classroom they would like to sit during this 20 minute partner read aloud. Students are observed by the teacher as she continually walks around the room. She frequently stops to listen in on students who are reading. Each student has an opportunity to read their book to their partner. Reflection: I feel that this is an easy yet effective way to assess students in an informal way. Students have the opportunity to read aloud with a partner. They are in control of who they read wit, what book they read and where they sit in the classroom. I feel that if I were to do an assessment such as this I would walk around with a clip board and record notes on how well students work with a partner and each week listen in on a specific group of students so that accurate data can be recorded for their file. The observations I would specifically look for would include fluency, attention span on listening, attitude and overall participation. I feel that reading aloud is essential in first grade and that time should be set aside each day for students to read aloud or silently. This type of observational assessment gives students a chance to improve and work on their reading.