Two sides of the same coin: authentic assessment

Berg: What happens when there are disagreements?

Harris: When we have had a disagreement about one of the courses or how to grade the portfolio, we continued to talk until we could come to some type of temporary agreement. We would recognize that there is a disagreement, but we will go with this agreement for this year and see how it works. Then, next summer, before we start in the fall again, we will re-consider.

Berg: We just adopted a common textbook in our World and American History classes. The agreement was that we would adopt the textbook for one year and then see how it works. That is both for the textbook itself as well as the idea of having a common textbook.

Harris: We have been using the St. Martin'5 Guide to Writing, and we adopted that book as a unit to use in both semesters of composition. Students purchase the book once for the whole year. We have recommended readings from the textbooks for Comp I and recommended readings for Comp II so that students are not repeating. But teachers have some leeway in how they approach the different assignments.

Berg: I like to use film in my courses. From what you are saying, there is no reason why one could not incorporate film.

Harris: I do the same thing. I have my Comp II students watch a movie and write an analysis of the film. Not everybody in composition does that. Someone in another section might use a piece of literature such as a short story or essay and then do the same summary/analysis assignment.

Berg: It seems that because you are using a rubric and looking at student outcomes through authentic assessment it makes it easier to promote academic freedom. We can do any quality lesson we want as long as students are learning the material.

Harris: Or any new and creative way of getting to the final objectives that work.

Berg: The question is not "Is this film or piece of literature good or bad?" The question becomes "Are the students learning the material?"

Harris: That is exactly right. You have the authentic assessment and the common objectives. All students will learn the difference between a summary and an analysis. How the teacher gets to that is personal.

Steven L. Berg

Dr. Berg is Assistant

Professor of English

and History at

Schoolcraft College in

Livonia, Michigan.

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