chapter 10

Abstract:
This chapter compares standardized tests to tests that are meant to help the students succeed. MI pushes authentic assessment, which is to let the student use THEIR intelligence in order to express what it is that they've learned over the course of time ina class. It is important to take and record the student's choices. To watch them make their decisions as to how they will express themselves, because this is where their strength is. Using a video tape or a portfolio are highly encouraged for the students to understand themselves and to be able to see their own prgression over time. PIFS (practical Intelligence for School) allows students to choose their own styles of learning and how to express what they've been learning. Students can be taught in 8 different ways so it only makes sense that they can be graded in 8 different ways. Standardized tests are way too narrow and don't allow for interpretation or explanation, and don't allow students to show their mastery in some subjects. portfolios are good, but are sometimes difficult to grade, a rubric should be made before hand.
reflections:
Our group had differing ideas about this topic. Some of us were against standardized testing and really think that it discourages some students who don't find their strengths in standardized scoring. While others of us thought that to some degree standardized tests are neccessary, in life sometimes there aren't easy ways out. We all agreed that we liked portfolios. To be able to sit down and look at how students did over time in a class and how they progressed is invaluable. I personally have a difficult time with a lot of allowing students to express themselves in their own way. In a lot of ways it makes sense and a lot can be derived from what they are saying. But if we are really going to be teaching kids according to their strengths... why not make specialized schools for students, that teach them specifically in ways that they will succeed. Many foreign countries do this and help students specialize at a young age.