Demonstrating Understanding and Skill
The tables below include an overview of the methods, purposes, and instruments used for demonstrating understanding and skill. Links provide more detailed information and specific examples. Additional rubrics and scoring guide samples for products and performances are located within the Assessing Projects application.
| Assessment Method |
Purpose |
When Used |
Instrument |
|
Products
|
Products are things that students create and build that show learning. (Examples in table below.) |
Often completed at end of project, but depends on product and length of project. |
|
| Performances |
Performances are demonstrations, productions, and events that students design and conduct to show learning. (Examples in table below.) |
Often presented at end of project, but depends on product and length of project. |
|
| Portfolios |
Portfolios allow for the assessment of students' progress, processes, and performance over time. |
Accumulate work and reflections over the course of a project, semester, class, or year. |
Reflection Questions |
|
Student-Led Conferences
|
Student-led conferences require students to organize and communicate their learning by sharing their goals, work, self assessments, and reflections, usually with parents. |
Schedule at the beginning of the year to help set goals and inform parents of expectations and at the end of a project or the year to reflect on growth. |
|
|
Products and Performance Tasks |
 |
Reports |
Historical research, scientific research, journal article for publication, policy recommendations |
| Designs |
Product design, home design, building or school design blueprints, transportation alternatives |
| Constructions |
Models, machines, exhibits, dioramas |
| Essays |
Letters-to-the editor, guest column for local newspaper or community publication, book and movie reviews, story writing |
| Artistic Expressions |
Pottery, sculpture, poetry, fine art, posters, cartoon, mural, collage, painting, song writing, movie script |
| Print Media: books, pamphlets, brochures |
Nature trail guide, self-guided walk through community history, public service announcement, history scrapbook, photo timeline, investigative documentary, commercial, training manual, animation/cartoon |
| Multimedia: informational kiosk, video, photo journal, slideshow, digital book |
 |
Presentations |
Persuasive proposal, inspiring speech, debate, informative lecture, research analysis and conclusions, newscast |
| Skill Demonstrations |
Science laboratory processes, constructions, specific sports skills, teaching or mentoring younger students, on-demand tasks |
| Artistic/Creative Performances |
Interpretive dance, play, skit, character study, docu-drama, readers’ theater, radio plays |
| Simulations |
Mock trial, reenactment of historical event, role play |
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