Assessment Strategies in Project-Based Learning

Assessment in Project-Based Learning Hangout

• The hangout is hosted by the Buck Institute for Education and focuses on assessment in project-based learning.

• The driving question for the hangout is "How can we effectively assess student learning in project-based learning?"

• The hangout features four educators: John Larmour, Janet Bonds, Ian Stevenson, and Erica Jordan.

• Common assessment issues in project-based learning include the need for collaboration and individualized assessments.

• Teachers can assess an individual's contribution to a team-created product through individual goal-setting, timelines, journals, and reflection.

• Content knowledge in a project can be assessed through traditional assessments, online resources, word walls, and concept webs.

• Formative assessment during a project should be diverse and ongoing, with strategies such as team meetings, quizzes, discussions, and journals.

• The use of proficiency scales, such as a level 1 & 2 for teaching content specifics and level 3 for inquiry, is a useful assessment tool.

• Socratic seminars and fishbowl variations can be used to assess common core skills.

• Contracts and rubrics can be used to hold students accountable and assess content knowledge and skills.

• The student should be actively involved in formative assessment and understand the target they are trying to meet.

• The hangout will be archived on the Buck Institute for Education's website for future viewing.Assessment Strategies in Project-Based Learning

• Diversify assessment strategies throughout the project

• Model expectations and use rubrics to help demonstrate criteria

• Use additional tools such as quizzes, tests, and homework assignments

• Use self and peer assessment to increase student voice and choice

• Students should be active participants in the assessment process

• Use rubrics and checklists that are introduced to students beforehand

• Final grade can be a combination of peer, self, and teacher assessment

• Break down peer review into small chunks and quick rounds for effective feedback

• Grading can be managed using project boundaries and Edmodo

• Lay out grading criteria ahead of time to avoid confusion and questions

• Assessment is a crucial part of project-based learning

• Use assessment formatively and summatively throughout the project