Hello, everyone!

As we delve into learning theories and assessment strategies lessons, it is important to reflect on the methods used and how they relate to the theories underpinning our learning. This week, I explored a variety of assessment strategies and considered how they align with the principles of behaviorism, constructivism, and connectivism. Here, I will discuss which strategies were used in our course, and which were not, and how they relate to my previous learning experiences.

Assessment Strategies for this Course

From the course syllabus and initial activities, it is clear that our course utilizes several assessment strategies:

Formative Assessments: these come in the form of weekly blog posts and discussions. Formative assessments are designed to provide ongoing feedback that instructors can use to improve their teaching and students can use to improve their learning. This strategy is critical because it supports continuous learning and improvement rather than focusing solely on the result.

Peer Feedback: we encourage reading and commenting on peer blog posts. This strategy promotes a collaborative learning environment and allows us to engage in reflective practice that enhances our understanding through discussion and critique.

However, some strategies are not fully applied in this course:

Summative assessments: traditional summative assessments, such as final exams or large projects, seem to be less emphasized. While there may be a final project or larger assignment in the future, the focus seems to be on ongoing formative assessment methods.

Automated quizzes and tests: these are common in many online courses to quickly assess understanding of basic concepts, but they are not prominently featured in our current course syllabus.

The assessment strategies used in our program are closely related to several learning theories:

Constructivism: the emphasis on reflective assignments and peer feedback fits well with constructivist principles. Constructivism recognizes that learners construct knowledge through experience and reflection, and this course encourages us to build our understanding through ongoing interaction and reflection.

Connectivism: peer feedback and the use of blogs for discussion are prime examples of connectivist learning. Connectivism believes that learning occurs in connected networks and emphasizes the role of social and digital networks in the learning process. Our courses utilize these networks to facilitate learning.

Behaviorism: Behaviorist principles, while less prominent, are subtly reflected in the structured nature of the weekly tasks and feedback mechanisms. Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior and reinforcement, and the ongoing feedback we receive reinforces our learning behaviors.

Comparison with other courses
The assessment strategies in this course are more focused on formative and reflective practices than in other courses I have taken. For example, in previous psychology courses, the main assessments were summative, including a midterm and a final exam. These were designed to assess our knowledge at a specific point in time and were more consistent with behaviorist principles of reinforcement and measurable outcomes.

In contrast, another educational psychology course heavily utilized a constructivist approach similar to our current course. It includes weekly reflections, peer discussions, and practical applications of theory, which contribute to a deeper understanding and retention of the material.

Conclusion:
In summary, our program employs a range of assessment strategies aligned with constructivist and connectivist theories. The focus on formative assessment, peer feedback, and reflective practice creates an engaging and supportive learning environment. Highlights the diversity of assessment strategies compared to other courses and how they cater to different learning theories and outcomes.

By understanding these connections and reflecting on our experiences, we can better understand the rationale behind these strategies and use them to improve our learning journeys. As we continue with this course, I look forward to exploring these theories further and applying them to improve my learning and teaching practice.