TeXes Science Practice Test

Before creating a performance assessment, what should a teacher decide?

1. Whether to assess group work or individual work

2. Whether to measure product, processes, or both

3. What materials will be needed

4. How long the assessment will take

The correct answer is: Whether to measure product, processes, or both

Deciding whether to measure products, processes, or both is crucial before developing a performance assessment because it directly impacts the learning objectives and outcomes you want to evaluate. When you focus on measuring products, you assess the tangible outcomes that students create, such as projects, reports, or other artifacts that demonstrate their knowledge or skills. This approach emphasizes the end results of learning activities. Conversely, measuring processes allows you to evaluate students' understanding and mastery of the steps involved in completing a task, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. It provides insight into how students arrive at their final products and the strategies they employ during the learning experience. Choosing between product, process, or a combination influences the design of the assessment, the criteria for success, and the tools or methods you use to gather evidence of student learning. A clear understanding of what aspect to measure will guide the assessment's structure, making it more effective in capturing student learning and informing instruction. The other options, while important considerations in the assessment design process, come after determining the focus of measurement. For example, deciding on group versus individual work, materials needed, and assessment duration are logistical details that support the primary decision about what aspects of student learning the assessment will highlight.