Assessment Reflection #2

I definitely missed the deadline for this post! Assessment's from a student's point of view, obviously mainly my own, would tend to funtion as a very effective gauge of what the instructor would like the student do absorb from the class. After taking an assessment of any kind it is definitely eaiser to focus on what seem to be the most important aspects of a lecture or other form of instruction. Using feedback in the from of grades, comments, etc. makes it possible to develope a more complete understanding of the class and instructor, better enabling a student to have a successful experience.

Formative Assessment Revelations

The exercise from class Thursday definitely forced me to look more closely at formative assessment. Getting down into the actual “nuts and bolts” of designing a unit and all that it involves showed me how little experience I actually have incorporating it and learning through it. It’s extremely difficult to create assessments which I have never experienced personally and don’t necessarily know how effective they will be. With that said, trying to describe the most significant features of formative assessment is another daunting task. In my opinion, they are the use of backward design to develop a manageable progression of concepts, and regular assessments to evaluate the class’s progress. This approach allows for a structured yet adaptable framework for a successful teaching and learning experience.

Interview Questions

My questions are fairly open ended and on a subject about which there are many incorrect preconceptions amongst undergrad students.


1.) Draw a simple diagram representing your
understanding of the Carbon cycle as it occurs in nature.

2.) Briefly explain your diagram.

3.) What, if any, elements of your diagram are
changing/being manipulated by our current global land and resource use.

4.) Describe what changes, if any, will occur in the
future due to the increase focus on atmospheric carbon levels; environmental,
sociological, etc.

5.) Do you feel your understanding of the carbon
cycle is sufficient? If yes, why? If no, why?