Assessing Challenge Based Learning in the Classroom

Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) is an educational approach where students engage in solving real-world problems. Effective assessment is essential during a CBL to ensure students' understanding and progress are accurately measured. Assessing CBL must capture both the process and the outcomes.

Using Formative Assessments:

Throughout the challenge, teachers should implement formative assessments to gauge students' progress. These assessments help identify areas where students might need additional support or resources. Some examples include:

• Quick Write - Give students 3 questions and allow them to choose one question they feel comfortable answering. Students can write or type their responses. I use this template to share the questions.

• Online Games - Set up a GimKit, Quizlet, or Blooket over the content students should know.
• Yes, and... - Have students pitch their idea to the class and have the class respond starting with "Yes, and...". This will help add to their idea and challenge them to make improvements based on peer feedback.
• Team Meetings - I often do team meetings on project work days. I go to each group and review their planning document and ask them questions individually.

Using Rubrics:

Well-designed rubrics with clear criteria for each phase of the challenge can provide a structured way to assess students' work. I use rubrics that contain multiple parts and grade the CBL as we go. For example, the rubric below was designed to assess a project, "How can we improve the mental health of our community?" Most of my rubrics are set up with the same criteria but I alter the points for each depending on the length and complexity of the CBL. Sometimes in my science course, we conduct experiments as part of our research, which can also be included on the rubric.

For some projects, each part of the rubric is added together to make one total grade. On other projects, I might break it up. For example, the planning document might be its own grade while the quick write is a separate grade, and the presentation is its own grade. Again, it depends on the length and complexity of the CBL.

Reflection: Incorporating reflection activities where students discuss what they learned, their challenges, and how they overcame them is crucial. Reflection helps solidify learning and fosters a growth mindset. Some of my favorite reflection questions are:

• What did you learn from this experience?
• What did you individually contribute to this project?
• If you were to start over, what would you change to improve your outcome?
• If I repeat this project next year, what should I change to make it more impactful?
• What was the most challenging part of working with your team?
• What part of your project are you most proud of?

By integrating these assessment methods, educators can provide comprehensive evaluations that not only measure academic achievements but also personal growth, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. This approach ensures that students are not just absorbing information but are also equipped to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Attachments

Planning Document Example.pdf

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