NS+Assessment

How we evaluate what students have learned is a key piece that reflects both what kind of learning we really value, and how we think that can best be measured. There is lots of discussion in various research fields about assessment. Northern Studies needs to 'walk the talk' in this area. Let's look at some options and what would be involved in implementing them.

There are perhaps 2 poles we're trying to keep 'in tension':

1) the recognition of standardized assessment tools that are recognized as accurately measuring a variety of skills, knowledge and abilities. This is part of what post-secondary and Alberta recognition of learning standards must satisfy.

2) Authentic, localized measurement of learning, perhaps by people not often considered 'educators' in the formal education system. These may use performance-based, portfolio, action-oriented kinds of assessment tools.

Some discussion of these issues follows. Your thoughts will be very important to where we go with this.