Module 4: Assessment Basics

This week we were to learn the basics of assessment. The two most descriptive types of assessment are formative and summative.  The focuses of both types of assessment are on the individual and/or the individual as compared to the group. However, each has a different way of evaluating the learning competencies of the learners.  Summative assessment is the result or the sum of what was learned, not only by the individual but by the group as well. It is a quantifiable measurement or a grade. It involves a test of the knowledge of the learner and usually comes after something was presented to the learner to learn about. While formative assessment, per Dylan Wiliams, is designed into the course and can be viewed as embedded; it provides feedback to move the student forward; it clarifies what the student needs to do to be successful; it motivates students to take an active role in their learning process and moves students to be learning resources for each other, while the big idea keeps learning on track.

For example, we record the practices of our band. By listening to the mistakes made and evaluating what was done right in the practices, I can help the band members discuss and discover what needs to be fixed in order to sound good and improve their up-coming performance. Once I start making suggestions for improvement, everyone gets in on the act. The end product is often determined by the singer. Since it is his/her song that is being reproduced by the band, the final say rests with the singer, based on the advice of the lead guitar player and sometimes the drummer. The rhythm player, the bass player and drummer than adjust their playing to insure the proper beat is produced for the singer, but also for the dancing audience.

While there is no written test given, the final performance before the audience is the test. If our audience is dancing to the songs consistently and filling the dance floor, we know we are doing it right. If we hold our dancers interest and keep them dancing without leaving, we know we’re doing it right. If the club that hired us asks us to come back based on the feedback they receive from their customers, we know we have done it right. My band members know where the mistakes were made, during a performance.  They have all developed an ear for the music.  They are all engaged in the learning process. They fix these errors in the next practice to the best of their ability. That is what our clients pay them to do.

Each of these band members have the innate ability to perform with their voices and instruments. They become more competent each time the cycle of practice and performance repeats itself. By analyzing how the music can be improved, they move from being novices to experts in their trade. Most of my band members have played in area bands for ten to 35 years or more. Because they often move on, either because they expire or join another band, we are constantly adapting our music to new players who are often at very different levels of expertise. We are constantly learning new music and adapting it to the playing abilities of each member.

My role as owner and leader of the band is that of a facilitator. Each member of the band has their own area of expertise so our learning is based upon the group’s ability to create their own interpretation of the music. Each member is a learner and teacher to the other members. Our music and performances are never really perfected, because we are all involved in the learning process as we continue to perform. Perfection is not the goal; but growth as musicians is, individually and as a group.. The end product is entertainment for our customer. We want them to enjoy the music and dance to the beat. We want them to feel the rush! We want just enough money to keep our equipment in good working order and pay our expenses.

The video is an example of summative assessment and/or task.