Bettina MatysiakPIDP 3104 November 7 2010

Introduction

What are “application cards”? an informal assessment technique which

allows instructors to assess learners’ ability to apply concepts, theories, principles, etc.

learners are asked apply a newly taught concept to a real world situation and record their answer on a card.

Instructors collect the cards and provide feedback to learners.

Introduction

Why use“application cards”? learners consider what they have learned in

the context of prior knowledge and make connections

Learners see a practical use for what they are studying

Learners receive feedback and guidance Instructors have the opportunity to assess

learners’ understanding of the material Instructors can assess their instruction and

ensure that it is effective and in good alignment

Instructors can assist learners having difficulty quickly

How to use Application Cards

Identify concept to be applied Ensure it is clear and easily applicable Put it in writing

Overhead, blackboard, paper Explain expectations

Identify how many applications are required One is the norm, but no more than three

Identify length of answers required Generally several sentences

Set time limit Three to five minutes is the norm

Explain feedback process Will it be private, written, verbal? Identify when it will happen

Taken from Application Cards (Assesses Skill in Application & Performance) CMU Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching

How to use Application Cards

Hand out index cards Names are optional depending on instructor’s

feedback method Collect completed cards

Give feedback As a class discussion

Explain that not all responses will be discussed and set time limit

Focus on good examples to assist learners who may be struggling

Feedback could also be written and private More time consuming for instructor

Taken from Application Cards (Assesses Skill in Application & Performance) CMU Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching

When to use Application Cards

When teaching important theories and concepts Assesses whether or not learners are

understanding concepts When teaching objectives are at a

higher cognitive level Assesses whether students are able to use

the knowledge at the appropriate level

Advantages and Considerations Very easy to organize Requires little in the way of

supplies or tools except for the index cards

No special setting is needed

Quick to administer Learners who are

struggling have an opportunity to see examples of good work

Instructors receive a snapshot view of class progress and can make decisions about their methods immediately rather than after a formal assessment

Feedback process may be timing consuming depending on method.

Difficult to apply concepts may make this a challenging exercise for learners

Ethically, instructors should not identify learners by name when discussing results in feedback session, nor should substandard answers be used as examples

Validity and Reliability

Content validity in this method is ensured as the assessment is an immediate extension of learning Instructors must be sure that the concepts

being taught and teaching methods encourage real world applications

Consequences validity is high as the method is quick and low anxiety for the learners Instructors should explain the feedback process

clearly to maintain a low anxiety environment Process validity is made certain by providing

clear instructions and expectations for the assessment

Reliability with this method is difficult to assess The best way to ensure is to maintain high

content and process validity

Conclusion

Application cards are a simple and quick method of assessing learners’ ability to apply concepts to real world situations.

This method provides assessment for learning in terms of providing learners with feedback on their progress and learning from example.

Instructors are also given an opportunity to evaluate their instruction and ensure that it is on-target and effective.

Resources

Informal Assessment Strategies: A-Z for the Math Classroom Chris MoerschAvailable at

http://loticonnection.cachefly.net/iste_2010/Informal_Assessment_Strategies.pdf

Application Cards (Assesses Skill in Application & Performance) CMU Faculty Center for Innovative TeachingAvailable at

http://www.facit.cmich.edu/instructional-support/links/cats/cat5.pdf

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