Jill Ann Broermann Spring 2004 EDP 303 Portfolio Jill Ann Broermann Spring 2004

Explanation of Organization and Meaning The following portfolio represents the learning that occurred during my time in EDP 303. Through the course of the semester we followed an online syllabus containing weekly assignments as well as links to related materials and documents on the web. This syllabus led our investigation of many forms of assessment and related testing ideas. This portfolio’s contents is outlined in the following index.

INDEX Syllabus Weekly Calendar APA Code of Ethics in Testing Netpost Reflections Handouts Field Assignments Test Analysis Paper Summary/Conclusions

Syllabus This syllabus was a huge help in the beginning of the year. It allowed me see the overall objectives of the course and what we would be covering in the upcoming semester. It also provided me with an overview of the requirements and evaluation devices I would be responsible for. Finally, the syllabus provided a great deal of resources available through the Web. Return to Index

Weekly Calendar Being the queen of organization, I was SO excited to have the weekly calendar available to me. This not only gave a day by day summary of the events of the class, it also included many links to valuable resources on the Web that related to the information discussed in class that day. Having this calendar available at all times allowed me to monitor my progress in the class and have a sense direction about what was to come in the future. Return to Index

APA Code of Ethics in Testing I think the most interesting aspect of the code is that it includes guidelines for test developers. I have taken many tests in my years of schooling, and I never really thought about the people who actually developed the tests I was taking. I thought it was useful for teachers to know that when developing appropriate tests, it is suggested that test developers make modified forms available for test takers with disabilities who need special accommodations. Return to Index

Netpost Reflections I believe that this is an invaluable aspect of the class and should be implemented more in other classroom settings. By requiring students to personally respond to what they are learning about in class, it forces the students to critically think about the concept and put it into their own words, furthering their understanding of the concept. Additionally, it allows students to view one another's thoughts and ideas. This type of assignment could be given in any content area classroom. I can see myself using it in either my future math classroom or my future language arts classroom. Return to Index

Handouts The handouts provided through the links on the weekly calendar of assignments were so eye opening and helpful. Never was I aware that there was so much information and so many resources available on issues of testing and assessment. I am so grateful that I was exposed to these resources throughout the course of this class. These handouts opened my eyes to issues of fair testing and standardized tests, as well as gave me information on Ohio’s standards and Bloom’s Taxonomy. They provided me with knowledge of assessment tools such as portfolios an rubrics. Finally, the handouts introduced me to incredibly helpful technology tools such as TaskStream, TAP, and TUCOWS. Return to Index

Field Assignments I still believe that the best way to learn how to become a teacher is to teach. In the field is where we were able to really discover if we had what it takes to be a great teacher. These experiences also allowed us to gain significant insight into the assessment principles of local schools. Some were positive, some were negative, but all were real. One thing I saw in the field that I desperately hope will be a part of my future school is a computerized testing and assessment system. So much can be done with technology, and I hope I am able to reap the benefits of this. Return to Index

Test Analysis Paper In writing this paper I was able to go through the stages of preparing a test full circle, similar to the stages described in the flow chart handout. It was definitely an eye opener for me. Going from the given standard, to creating a test bank, to selecting which items to include on a test, to performing an item analysis on the test – I guess I never realized how much work actually goes into developing a test. Well now I do. This paper was a great introductory experience and gave me a grasp on how time consuming, yet rewarding, creating your own test can be. Return to Index

Summary/Conclusions This entire class experience has been one of discovery and amazement. Without the knowledge gained in the past semester, I never would have realized how multi-faceted assessment truly is. Always having been on the receiving end of testing, I am glad that I now realize how much effort goes into assessment. I hope that in the future I will be able to apply all the ideas of testing and assessment that I have learned in my own classroom. Return to Index