Unit 2: How can I use Seesaw to assess student work?
Unit 2: How can I use Seesaw to assess student work?
Overview:
In this unit students will learn the importance of assessing students and choosing the correct tool to use as an assessment. Students will also learn about the the various assessments provided by Seesaw and how they can choose an appropriate one for their lesson.
Lessons:
Why do we need assessments?
What assessment tools does Seesaw provide?
How can I choose the right assessment tool?
Unit Objectives:
By the end of this Unit students will be able to:
- Explain the importance of assessing student work
- Name 2 assessment tools used on Seesaw and an example of how you would use them
2.1 Why do we need assessments?
Assessment is an essential step in the learning process for both teachers and students. By assessing students, teachers are able to see if the goals of education are being met. Not only does effective assessment provide us with valuable information to support student growth, but it also enables critically reflective teaching (Fisher and Bandy, 2019). Assessment is the guiding force behind student growth because it allows students to see what they already know, and what they still need to learn. Students are able to see the achievements they have made, but also the areas that require more time and work. Assessments allow teachers to reflect on their teaching and determine if the methods, practices, and activities they chose are the most effective for their student population.
Watch the videos below to learn more about the importance of assessment.
After watching the videos click the link below to add to the discussion board.
2.2 What assessment tools does Seesaw provide?
Seesaw provides a wide range of assessments that can be used to demonstrate student learning.
Teachers have the option to choose which tools they would like their students to use. Listed below are the provided assessment tools and an example of how you would use each one.
- Photo- This allows students to take a photo of their work and post it to their student journal. This feature can also be used to document experiences or share pictures of an activity that student participated in. An example would be students taking pictures of their art work to share to their journals, or students complete a math sheet and take a picture to share.
- Drawing- The drawing tool is used to create digital artwork. Students can use this feature to add shapes to images, add additional images or backgrounds, or create their own unique picture using the various tools provided. An example would be students use the drawing feature to create a vision board for themselves. Students would draw images or add phrases to their vision board to demonstrate what they envision for themselves.
- Video- The video tool can be used to record videos or select a previously recorded video to upload. Students can use the video feature to practice reading skills, explain something to other students, or share an experience. An example would be students complete a writing piece and use the video feature to record themselves reading it to their classmates.
- Upload- Upload allows students to directly upload something from their google drive onto Seesaw. Here students can add slides or images directly from their accounts. An example would be if students had to create a presentation and then share it with their class. Students would create a slide show using google slides and then directly upload it from their drive onto Seesaw.
- Note- This tools allows students to type out a written response to a question or prompt. This feature is similar to any writing app such as google docs, or Microsoft word. An example would be if students are given a question and are asked to respond by writing a paragraph. This tool is also good for students who do not want to be recorded visually or orally.
2.3 How can I choose the right assessment tool?
Choosing the right assessment tool can be difficult no matter the teaching setting. Teachers can choose between written answers, projects, tests, homework, class conversation, group work, etc. The possibilities can seem endless and overwhelming when trying to pick the right assessment for your students. With the ease of Seesaw you are able to offer all of the assessments listed above, for each and every assignment. Teachers can choose to allow all forms of responses, or can select the specific feature they would like their students to use.
To determine which tool is right for you and your students, you need to first determine what you are trying to learning about them. If you are trying to assess reading skills, choosing the video feature would be best as you are able to see your students as they practice reading. You can also have students show pictures or graphs in the books they are reading.
If you are looking to assess math concepts using the picture tool, or the write on feature would work best. If students have the problems on paper in front of them they are able to complete them, and then take a picture to show their work. If students are using the provided write on feature (compatible with tablets or chrome books), they can complete their work directly on the computer by "writing on" the provided template.
When it comes to assessing student work on Seesaw, you must first determine what you are trying to learn through that particular assessment. Once you have established your goal of that lesson you are then able to choose the appropriate assessment tool.
Check for understanding:
- Why do we need assessments?
- What assessment tools does Seesaw provide?
- How can I choose the right assessment tool for my students?
Assessment:
Click the link below to be directed to Unit 2: How can I use Seesaw to assess student work? assessment.
Click here to move onto Unit 3:
Unit 3: How can I create a Seesaw lesson?
Resources:
Fisher, Michael R. and Joe Bandy, (2019). Assessing Student Learning. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. Retrieved April 3, 2022 from https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/assessing-student-learning/.
