EDLD+5364+Week+Four+Update

 EDLD 5364 Week Four Update Week of 12/8-12/13 The readings for this week focused on assessment and the need to have a way to measure progress and also, ways to group learners for success. We were introduced to the McREL model of cooperative learning. We are planning on incorporating this learning model into our final group project. The McRel model stresses that ability grouping should be used sparingly, while the groups themselves should be small in size. It also stresses that cooperative learning should be used consistently, but not overused. Their website, [|mcrel.org], includes many helpful links and resources, including lesson plans that can be used immediately. //Using Technology With Classroom Instruction That Works// by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski, suggests that we use a variety of criteria to group students, use manageable formal, informal and base groupings and combine cooperative group learning with other lesson types. Our team for the group project is planning on including the cooperative group strategies that both of these resources suggest to solve the final project scenario.

The quote I posted to the discussion board was from Chapter 7 of //Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age:// //Universal Design for Learning// by Rose and Meyer, where the authors discussed the need for accurate assessment. They said that "most current assessments are not designed to accommodate individual differences. Generally, educators have interpreted "fairness" to mean that assessments are uniform in format and administered in a standardized fashion the same test is given in exactly the same way and under the same conditions for each learner." This really demonstrates for me the narrowness of the assessment process that we have in place in our schools today. It is exciting to read about and try to implement some new and more learner-centered types of assessment. With the influx of new technology, it is easier to modify lessons and provide a truly customized learning experience for all learners. Now it is possible to quickly and accurately assess individual learners and show ALL strengths and weaknesses, rather than those tested soley on standardized tests. It is an exciting concept to think about and a more postive direction for education as a whole.