Presentation/Assigment

Instruction 658 DB A.H.: I need to give feedback and answer 3 questions

Alternative assessment

Alternative assessment techniques refer to techniques of learner assessment that go beyond traditional tests and examinations. Alternative assessment enables educators to closely track and monitor learners' progress, skills, and understanding of various concepts. These assessments are designed in a way that aligns with the learners' needs and preferences. For instance, educators can assess learners through observation during routine play activities and document observable elements such as their problem-solving skills, ability to socialize and interact with other learners, and language development. Erekson et al. (2020)

There are various techniques through which teachers can assess story sense, for instance, by using wordless picture books, making use of rubrics and checklists, and building a story map. Wordless books play a crucial role in promoting learners' imagination and enhancing their ability to explain and describe what they observe. Erekson et al. (2020) Using wordless books also helps to promote learners' imagination and creativity through making connections. Learners can make connections between images. Wordless books support learners in developing critical thinking skills. The alternative assessment also enables teachers to assess learners’ story sense by building story maps and using checklists.

Alternative assessment enables teachers to identify students who are at risk of developing reading complications. Unlike the formal assessment techniques that enable teachers to diagnose specific gaps in various skills, alternative assessments help identify the appropriate interventions that would help learners achieve positive learning outcomes. The alternative assessment presents learners with an opportunity to engage more with real-life texts used, for instance, in delivering learner instructions and brochures. Learners can also gain skills and knowledge for interacting with electronic texts through the use of digital devices.

Deploying alternative learner assessment techniques plays an essential role in enabling early learners to gain a comprehensive understanding of real-world events and scenarios, for instance, by gaining the skills to relate images in a book, which also enhances their creativity and imagination skills. They enable early learners to apply what they learn in class in a real-world work environment (Reading Rockets.org, n.d.). Alternative assessments also provide effectiveness in addressing the needs of diverse learners. It presents unprecedented opportunities for learners to express themselves using graphics, illustrations, and other visual representations and through texts. This provides enhanced learning flexibility that resonates with learners' needs and preferences.

The other benefit of alternative assessment in early learning is the ability to give progressive or continuous feedback. Alternative assessment techniques enable the teacher to deliver timely feedback to the learners. Teachers can assess various areas of strength and weakness for learners and make appropriate interventions to support them. The alternative assessment also helps to promote diversity and inclusivity in the learning process. In the contemporary learning environment, teachers interact with learners with diverse capabilities and disabilities. Alternative assessment enables educators to meet the learning needs of both general learners and learners with disabilities. For instance, on the one hand, some learners would find it exciting to express themselves using words, while on the other hand, some learners would prefer expressing themselves using graphics and illustrations. Alternative assessments enable learners with disabilities such as ASD to understand concepts presented in class more conveniently since they are presented in simple, clear, and easy-to-understand graphics and images.

In my pre-k class, I often use project-based Assessment and choose projects that fit their age group. According to Erekson et al.'s (2020) project-based Assessment, this assessment helps the students improve their critical thinking, their creativity, and their decision-making capabilities. Some of the projects that I have given out include making collages by collecting materials outside. This outdoor activity helps assess their fine motor skills since they collect materials of different textures and shapes.

From the discussion above, the significance of alternative assessment in early education cannot be understated. It enables teachers to create a more inclusive and diverse learning environment that aligns with the needs of all learners. Alternative assessment also enables teachers to identify learners with disabilities and adopt appropriate support interventions to support such learners.

Questions: Please, I need answers to his three questions also

1. How do alternative learner assessment techniques supplement formal assessment techniques?

2. What are the limitations and strengths of alternative learner assessment?

3. How does the use of wordless books help promote learners creativity and innovation?