Empowering Students: Giving Choice in Cumulative Assessments

Why are cumulative exams are an effective way to assess learning? Cumulative assessments based on competencies students need to thrive, and that will serve them beyond the classroom experience, are a concrete reminder and proof that students have reached proficiency and are working toward mastery of their goals. We get stuck thinking that cumulative exams are equivalent to mundane or traditional forms of assessing: multiple choice, fill in the blank or other rote activities. 

That need not be the case! Innovation and creativity are the basis for cumulative exams as well.

As an educator, I innovate, create and work hard to make cumulative assessments that give students choice in how to explain what they’ve learned in order to honor their unique ways of processing learning. If students need to write or speak (Yes, a cumulative exam can be spoken!) I give at least three prompts from which to choose. The directions specify: do the one that best shows what you know. I emphasize that I look for excellence, not perfection; errors are necessary when using grammar and vocabulary in authentic ways. If images speak louder than words to demonstrate comprehension, students have the option to draw a comic strip or a timeline to show their understanding.
 
When students have ownership over how to give their learning back to you, and they can be creative in how that happens, cumulative exams are an effective means to learn what students know. 

If students want the safety net of traditional activities on a cumulative exam to lift their confidence, mix in fill in the blank or true/false activities to ease their nerves and reassure them of their mind power! 

Cumulative exams can be the solid evidence needed for us to believe in the system and in each other. While there will never be “a one size fits all” assessment tool for students, cumulative exams still indicate who gets it, who needs more TLC and practice to fully grow in their learning, and how we, as teachers, can innovate to get them there. ​