The Future of Assessment - Special Episode with Melbourne Metrics, Rethinking Assessment and Mastery Transcript Consortium
May 19, 2024
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Guests from Rethinking Assessment and Mastery Transcript Consortium discuss the future of assessment, focusing on competency-based education, project-based qualifications, strengths-based assessments, and the shift towards personalized learning. They also explore challenges in assessment practices, transformative education models, and the importance of learner profiles and motivations for educational transformation.
Moving towards next-generation assessment models for skills development over memorization is crucial in education.
Interdisciplinary learning, project-based approaches, and student collaboration are key components of evolving pedagogy.
Balancing standardization with unique contextualized assessment methods is essential for trustworthy and engaging assessments.
The Mastery Transcript Consortium leads in developing digital transcripts for competency-based learning and student empowerment.
Educational systems globally are transitioning to competency-based education models, aligning with future skills requirements and enhancing student engagement for personalized learning approaches.
Deep dives
Importance of Shifting Assessment Methods
Shifting from traditional exam-based assessment to next-generation assessment models is crucial to keep up with the changing educational landscape. The focus on skills development over memorization and the need for more relevant and engaging learning experiences are highlighted.
Global Trends in Curriculum and Assessment
Internationally, there is a movement towards interdisciplinary learning, project-based approaches, and deeper curriculum engagement. The importance of evolving pedagogy to involve student collaboration and personalized learning experiences is emphasized.
Challenges and Innovation in Educational Assessment
Challenges include the balance between standardization and unique contextualized assessment methods. The need for reliable, valid, and trustworthy assessment approaches that support student agency and engagement is a key focus.
The Future of Educational Credentials
The Mastery Transcript Consortium is at the forefront of developing innovative digital transcripts to represent competency-based learning. Emphasis on creating inclusive and engaging learning environments that empower students to own and showcase their skills.
Adapting Educational Models Globally
Across the US and globally, educational systems are transitioning towards competency-based education models. The importance of aligning educational practices with future skills requirements and enhancing student engagement and ownership in learning reflects a shift towards innovative and personalized learning approaches.
Challenges in K-12 Education and Higher Education Admissions
Challenges are seen in K-12 education where the focus has shifted towards helping students grow, with challenges arising as affirmative action practices faced legal opposition. In higher education, a dialogue on the value of a four-year degree has emerged. There is a shift towards exploring alternative routes such as apprenticeships to better prepare students for diverse job opportunities.
National Conversation on Essential Skills and Competencies
A national dialogue is developing on essential life skills beyond academics. The emergence of competency models in schools focuses on locally driven fundamental skills and competencies that are consistent across diverse school districts. Organizations are working towards emphasizing and assessing these 'durable skills' critical for success in life.
Technological Advancements and Future Assessment Trends
Technological advancements are reshaping educational assessment models. The move towards authentic performance assessments at scale is highlighted, aiming to incorporate AI for efficient, valid, and reliable assessments. The focus shifts towards merging repeatable assessments with real-time feedback and advancing metacognitive skills among learners.
Global Engagement and Adoption of Competency-Based Education
The global adoption of competency-based education faces challenges in understanding and implementing mastery-based approaches. It emphasizes the shift towards recognizing every learner's ability to meet minimum standards. Engagement strategies focus on creating learning environments that uplift students, emphasizing continual professional development for educators.
Diverse Learning Contexts and Educator Roles
Encouraging diverse learning contexts involves embracing a profile of a learner within the community. Engaging with organizations, like the Aurora Institute and reference models, assists in defining motivations for educational change. The importance of understanding the 'why' behind transformation is crucial for driving impactful shifts in educational systems globally.
This episode will hopefully give you a sense of where the most promising organisations in the world who are innovating around assessment are at, and what the prospects are looking forward for significant assessment change.
You can also check out Episode #72 with Sandra Milligan.
I am joined by Prof. Sandra Milligan from Melbourne Metrics, Bill Lucas from Rethinking Assessment and Mike Flanagan and Patricia Russell from Mastery Transcript Consortium.
