Assessing Learners’ Competencies in Science Learning
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Abstract
Competency-based assessment is a significant component of competency-based education that focuses on teaching and learning to develop learners’ competencies in solving real-world problems. There are 5 key features of competency-based assessment: (1) emphasizing performance assessment and authentic assessment, (2) using various measurement tools and criteria, (3) connecting the assessment to real-world contexts and tracking changes in learners’ competencies, (4) assessing learners individually before, during, and after their learning, and (5) providing feedback to improve their learning.
Assessment of learners’ competencies in science learning corresponds to the features above. Science teachers use several approaches and methods to assess learning in classroom such as giving assignments, creating concept maps, and discussing science topics. The article presents 4 steps of designing a classroom assessment of learners’ competencies, including (1) identifying competencies, (2) choosing the assessment method and tool, (3) creating the tool and rubrics, and (4) validating the tool and rubrics. Moreover, the article presents examples of tools and rubrics to apply to different contexts appropriately.
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