If one student is on Question 2 and the other is on question 10, you can ASSESS why there is a gap between two students but it is not necessary to grade on their speed.
"Writers need feedback, not evaluation"
I feel like this particular quote is the distilled message of this book.
The way English and Writing were taught to me was "Evaluation then Feedback". However, Kittle shows us a more beautiful way. Throughout the process, give feedback. Before the process, give feedback, After the process, give feedback--then give evaluation!
You can't decide the taste of a cake with only milk and flour. However, after you have gone through the rest of the directions for the cake(feedback) and you have finished and tasted (Evaluation), you can then say, "Hmmmm...maybe this will taste better with chocolate or whip cream".
Whenever a teacher speaks into the life of a students work the evaluation and feedback should be left with a freedom of choice. The student will feel like his/her opinion is valued and cherished and this will lead to more exploration and creativity. The teacher can say, "This would taste better with peanut butter but, if you like it the way it is that's fine!"
Thank you, Penny Kittle, for showing me a better way.
Hey Kevin,
ReplyDeleteyour post was filled with imagery for me.It's like I could image what you were saying. "All grades are assessment but all assessments are not grades. Assessments are composed of discussions, conversations, etc" perfectly said! What is the real point of grades? In my personal opinion I think its a way to easily identify those who are going to become "successful" and those who are perceived to fail or become average. Grading is a comparative tool, it condones competition if anything. Grades become the goal and true learning is tossed to waste side. I feel like if grades didn't exist I would learn more.I enjoyed your own definition of evaluation and cake :)