Using Exhibits as Assessment

TL;DR

Normal Park school uses exhibits to let students showcase their learning and take ownership of their education.

Transcript

Trey Joyner: At Normal Park, we focus largely on creating an atmosphere for the students to give them an outlet, give them an opportunity to exhibit the work that they've been doing, the learning. >>Emily Pittman: Exhibits are the way that we allow students to take ownership over their learning. >>Jamie Tipton: So, each year, the students will pu... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Normal Park focuses on creating an atmosphere for students to showcase their learning and take ownership of their education.
• 🥰 Exhibits incorporate pieces from various subjects and related arts teams, providing a cohesive theme and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
• 🏷️ Exhibit labels at Normal Park include academic vocabulary, content connections, and personal reflections, reinforcing understanding and communication skills.
• 😒 Teachers use exhibits as assessments to evaluate student learning and create alignment in terms of expectations.
• 🥳 Celebrations of learning are held to recognize student accomplishments and promote engagement from parents and the community.
• 😃 Exhibits help determine if students truly understand the big ideas and concepts and can apply them to real-world situations.
• 🥇 Normal Park places an emphasis on ongoing assessment and reflection to ensure continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do exhibits at Normal Park allow students to take ownership of their learning?

Exhibits at Normal Park give students the opportunity to exhibit the work they've been doing across subjects, working with their teachers and related arts teams. This allows them to have a cohesive theme and take ownership of their learning.

Q: What role do exhibit labels play in the learning process at Normal Park?

Students at Normal Park create exhibit labels for each piece on display, incorporating academic vocabulary, connecting it to the content, and adding a personal connection. This helps them showcase their best understanding and reinforces the academic language and concepts they have learned.

Q: How do teachers assess student learning through exhibits at Normal Park?

Teachers at Normal Park look at the big ideas, knowledge, and skills that students need to know and be able to do. The exhibits serve as assessments, and teachers walk through them to find evidence of understanding, which is then shared at faculty meetings.

Q: How does Normal Park celebrate student learning with exhibits?

Every nine weeks, Normal Park holds a big celebration of learning, inviting parents and children to see the exhibits and celebrate what the students have accomplished. The exhibits serve as a way to highlight the learning that happens in the classroom on a daily basis.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Normal Park students put on four exhibits each year with a cohesive theme, incorporating pieces from various subjects and related arts teams.

• The exhibits are a way for students to demonstrate their understanding of essential questions and showcase their learning.

• Teachers assess student learning through the exhibits and use them to align faculty expectations and promote a celebration of learning.