With risk comes failure. There is no need to fear rejection, because failure is valued as a part of the learning process. Encouragement, rather than criticism, gives us the motivation to keep trying and the security to express ideas and ask questions. In my classroom, assessment is a part of the natural learning environment. Teacher and students constantly monitor progress as a part of their engagement in the learning process.
Students learn to reflect upon their work while advancing toward their goals.
Scores are used as a tool to monitor progress, not to rank or assign value to the individual. In my classroom, there is constancy of purpose. Learning is a means to an end. Our purpose is to become caring, loving, responsible citizens of an ever-changing world, who are equipped with the necessary tools for success throughout life, whatever the future may bring. As a teacher, I think my strength lies in my focus on each student as a whole human being who merits my undivided attention, unconditional love and undying respect.