LIBRARY MEDIA ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

The most useful information for assessing students' growth in library skills comes directly from students' encounters with the content of the library curriculum and participation in activities.   Evaluation in library skills must include frequent assessment of students' responses, as well as the librarian's observation of students.   Assessment activities must evaluate students' ability to apply literacy knowledge.

The following pages describe assessment strategies, the purpose of which is to provide librarians with choices to consider when assessing their students.

Strategy

Description

Teacher Observation

Ongoing observation, interaction, and analysis of one student, a small group, or a whole class in order to assess growth

Student Interviews

Student-teacher conferences are used for a variety of purposes, and may be used to discuss topics including:   writing progress, readings, or individual student strategies needed for improvement.

Student Questionnaires

Questionnaires may be used to elicit a variety of information from the students in the form of forced choice or open-ended questions.

Records of Student Participation

Records may include the following:   checklists, self-evaluation questionnaires, charts and computer circulation records.

Oral Responses

Oral student participation used to assess a variety of skills.   For example, the way a student responds to the kinds of questions asked may give the teacher information about his/her processing of content and ability to use thinking skills.

Written Responses, Student Work

Individual/group responses to specific questions, comments, requests, or directions.    Examples include the following: cooperative writing, assignments, problem-solving activities, etc.

Peer Conferencing

Used in a supportive learning environment, students' peers can offer valuable feedback and help set direction for further learning.   They can confer with each other about written pieces, provide guidance and make comments and suggestions.   They can set up forms for self-evaluation or create a plan of action.    Students may be used to "coach" each other, creating a positive learning environment.

Student Self-Evaluation

Here, the teacher involves the students in serious examination of such questions as   - How am I doing?   Are things going as I planned?   What would I like to learn or work on next?   For example, students may be helped by meeting with the teacher in conference on a regular basis to evaluate what they hope to achieve.

Student Activities

Activities may be done individually, with a partner, in a small or large group, or with an entire class.   The activities may be dramatic, artistic, or written responses.   Examples may include the following:   role-playing of character in a book, designing a book mark, advertising a book through a commercial, games, etc