Teach students to self assess!

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When I was teaching at the Pathways world school, School website, I had a routine where the first thing in the class was that I used to give feedback on their HW and grades. This is something all of them looked forward to for it gave them an instant feedback and gratification.

I developed a great relationship with one of my grade 7 section. One fine day, I told them, ‘‘Why should I decide what your grade should be? You decide it yourself.’’
They looked at me jaw dropped, “But how?”

I realised that they need step-by-step instructions. So I gave them a rubric —accuracy of work; amount of work finished; effort put to do whatever they had done.

The results were outstanding. I had students coming and telling me:
  • “I didn’t finish it all, but I deserve a B for I really worked at it.”
  • “I did it...but it was too easy for me, so a B minus is ok.”
  • “I did it all, and I didn’t give up! I deserve an A plus.”
  • “I am not very sure...I have done part of the work. It is correct. But I took a lot of time.”
  • “I have done it. But I was late due to laziness. I choose a B.”
  • “I have done it. But I was late due to illness. I choose an A minus.”

And on and on it went. It was pure 99% honesty, sincerity and healthy self-reflection. That is what I got from the students. So slowly, I could let go of them with confidence that they can self-assess themselves very well. 

They did not measure themselves to any standard, but to their own capacity and hard work.

We looked forward to meeting in each Maths class!


Comments

Shubhra. Srivastava said…
A very fresh take on self-assessment. Really a powerful life skill.
27 June, 2020
Unknown said…
Excellent indeed a powerful tool
24 September, 2021
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