Use alternative diagnostics for readers of all ages.
Educators spend much time placing students in reading classes using quantitative methods. A pre-class diagnostic test places students into beginning, intermediate or advanced grades or classes. Tests may occur in the first few days of instruction to ensure correct placement. Continuing diagnostics include formative tests throughout the term and summative tests at the end. In response to concerns regarding student test anxiety, test reliability and test validity, educators are developing alternative methods to diagnostic reading testing with qualitative methods.
Alternative Pre-Class Diagnostic Tests
Use alternative pre-class diagnostic tests to emphasize each reader's strengths rather than weaknesses. Ideally, the test combines placement information with a productive reading experience for both reader and grader as co-readers. Use short readings on general topics such as travel, nature, animals or human achievements as vehicles to add an element of learning through the test. Use an interview or initial meeting for alternative assessment. Display reading materials, and ask the reader about preferences --- from children's books to young-adult fiction to school textbooks. In this informal atmosphere, the reader can relax and discuss the reading process without worrying about receiving a grade. You have the opportunity to learn more about the reader's interest and skills.
Alternative Assessments During Initial Instruction
In the beginning days of class, use alternative diagnostic reading tests to monitor reader progress and ensure readers benefit from instruction. Meet-and-greet activities offer opportunity for informal assessment. Ask readers about their reading experiences. Join them in answering the questions by sharing your reading experiences. Find out the type of reading do they do every day, from cereal boxes during breakfast to shopping lists.Ask whether they read for pleasure; if so, have them list some favorite books, magazines or articles. Ask readers to write short answers detailing the importance of reading. The answers will help introduce you to the readers and their goals. On a separate answer sheet, conduct a short reading on a commonly known topic with five questions. Ask the readers to write a summary of the reading. Then conduct a short reading on a less-known topic, with five comprehension questions followed by a summary of the reading. Use the information from these informal assessments to encourage helpful reader placement and curriculum.
Alternative Formative Assessment
Throughout the reading course, use alternative formative assessments to combine learning with information on reader progress. Incorporate Multiple Intelligence activities. Using storybooks, chapter books and literary novels, ask readers to find ways to reproduce selections through actions. Encourage readers to create short skits or plays. Bring music into the reading process through recordings or live performances relating to the reading. Offer art materials for collages and murals. Design a game for the reading, ask questions about plot, character, setting, mood and dialogue tailored to the readers' ages and interests. Students can design the covers of their reading portfolios and begin including readings and activities.
Summative Assessment Alternatives
Complete the end of the term with summative alternative diagnostic testing. Testing at the completion of a term can inform reader, instructor and administration about the curriculum, reading trends and reader progress. Each reader can remove or add items to the portfolio for assessment. Ask readers to reflect on their progress. Part of the reflection can include thoughts about various assessment procedures --- traditional and alternative testing methods. Readers may have preferences for specific testing methods. Ask readers to share their ideas in groups and in writings regarding their strengths and ability to develop reading abilities. Plan with the readers for future reading activities after the term, such as the types of reading materials and assessments each readers may encounter.
Tags: reader progress, alternative diagnostic, assessment readers, conduct short, conduct short reading, diagnostic reading
