To me, this observation technique would help cultivate understanding in reading, and thanks to Airasian, who provided the background for observation, and Harmon, who suggested an exercise, I am now equipped with an assessment tool to use in my classroom. By explaining the two categories which assessment falls into, he made it clearer to me. He delved deeper into the topic of assessment by explaining formal assessment and performance assessment. Formal assessment seems to be losing its popularity in the world of education. Viator's concern for the validity and reliability of formal testing is a growing concern for educators.
Teachers seem to be moving away from formal assessment and relying on alternative testing methods.
Airasian discussed formal testing and brought up two types of questioning that can be used in such a test, yet still allows students to display their understanding and individual thoughts. This is seen through essay questions and interpretive exercises, which both leave the doubts about formal testing behind and allow room for students to demonstrate what they know. One aspect of formal assessment that I feel I will put into practice is the use of essay questions. This is exactly what I want my students to display, and their analysis of literary works would be difficult to show in a traditional multiple-choice format that only tests the student's ability to memorize. This type of questioning can be found in text book tests, but if a teacher wished to test students on what they have covered in class or on what the teacher feels is important for them to know, then a teacher may wish to write his or her own essay questions.