Self-Assessment

A before unit/reading strategy to assess student knowledge

Example:

A self-assessment use to preview terminology relevant to an upcoming trigonometry unit.

Online Example: YouTube

Purpose

To assess students’ prior knowledge of vocabulary related to a given unit or topic.

Procedure

1. Identify and generate a list of key vocabulary for the unit or topic.
2. Create the assessment, giving students a range of understanding to select for each word. (refer to example)
3. Administer self assessment before starting the unit, topic, or reading.
4. Review assessments to inform instruction of vocabulary during the unit.

Modifications and extensions:

1. Have students take assessment after the unit to compare original responses with students’ deepened or changed thinking.
2. Assessments can be paper-based or electronic.
3. Vocabulary used may be academic or content specific depending on students’ needs.