ePortfolio Assignment 6

I looked over the exam I gave at the end of the first semester. I chose this assessment because it is a large portion of the students’ final semester grade. The exam questions cover all levels of DOK. I do require students to apply the knowledge they have learned in order to solve posed problems. The test is comprised of multiple choice and essay questions. The multiple choice section weighs more heavily in the DOK levels one and two while the essay portion of the test weighs especially heavy in the third and forth DOK levels.

I could make this assessment more rigorous by adding a lab skill portion to the test. This would require students to properly use science equipment and perform experiments in order to answer questions proficiently.

It is important to question our students in a way that fosters their ability to think analytically. With the use of technology, students are learning to answer low level DOK questions more efficiently than ever. However, when teachers are able to assign tasks and ask questions at higher DOK levels students are required to improve their critical thinking skills. It would be difficult to teach real 21^st century skills by simply telling students “correct” answers that they can readily Google at any moment. Like driving a car or riding a bike, 21^st century skills can be taught, learned and improved with practice. To ensure students get the practice they need to be successful in today’s fast paced world teachers must regularly utilize high level questioning and real problems in their classrooms.