How it works: Selected response assessments are tools for assessing student learning that requires students to identify information rather than constructing words and sentences of their own. In written exams, this often takes the form of multiple choice questions, matching, and true/false scenarios. However, selected response may also include yes/no questions, pointing to correct answers, and underlining examples in a text. All of these strategies minimize writing to assess student learning in a way that focuses primarily on mastery of content.
Supporting English Language Learners: Lopes-Murphy (2012) advises the use of selected response assessments for students who are at the preproduction stage of English language development because it makes the assessment accessible without writing and speaking full sentences (p. 228). These English Language Learners who have recently arrived in the country can learn content but may not appear to know this content if asked to construct formal responses to questions. By offering these alternatives, the students can more accurately show a teacher what they know and can the motivation and confidence that accompany academic success. How it addresses Universal Design for Learning: Although students with advanced English language skills should attempt constructed responses on a frequent basis, selected responses can have benefits beyond English language learners. Students may struggle with the physical process of writing for a variety of reasons (Developmental and Cognitive Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, physical injury to hand) and appreciate opportunities to avoid the complexities of writing. In addition, many students appreciate the simplicity that accompanies circling or underlining answers, allowing them to focus on recognition rather than memorization or construction of grammatically correct sentences. In this and other ways, the option for selected response assessments allows varied method for response to address UDL checkpoint 4.1. |
Example of Use in Context: One use of selected response that I have not previously used but would like to apply to my future teaching is in options for underlining. When I assign students to read texts, I typically provide guiding questions to answer. Instead of requesting answers only in answer documents, I plan to allow students to underline or highlight answers to comprehension questions with numbers to indicate which questions they are answering.
|