Chapter 5 - Classroom Assessment of Reasoning Strategies

Abstract

This chapter addresses a key challenge confronting classroom teachers. This is how to employ systematic, sound methods to monitor and assess the growth of their students' reasoning strategies. Many of the examples quoted in the chapter come from the Multicultural Reading and Thinking Program (McRAT), a statewide program supported by the Arkansas Department of Education. The chapter is organized into seven sections. It briefly overviews some frameworks proposed for characterizing strategic reasoning. This is followed by the applications of a particular framework. It presents the general guidelines for sound measurement of reasoning strategies. Next, there are the classroom examples of assessments of student reasoning. Also, guidelines for providing professional development and support to schools are provided. Finally, it describes the approaches for evaluating thinking curricula, and a look ahead at ways in which technology can support the assessment of reasoning strategies. The chapter concludes by visualizing a better future for classroom assessment. As technology opens up new avenues for teachers and students, one day the classroom will have no bounds, and the demands and opportunities for thoughtful, lifelong learning will be available to all.