Transfer of Knowledge
When we ask a student to demonstrate their learning in the same format that they learned the content in the first place, it is difficult to truly know if the student has in fact understood the material or simply memorized and regurgitated it.
There are times when regurgitation is important for any subject. I want my students to be familiar with the proper language of science, to be able to recall specific laws and principles, and to demonstrate lab skills and techniques exactly as I taught them. But, when I ask a student, “What is Newton’s Third Law?” I understand clearly that the correct answer does not mean the student actually understands what they are saying.
One of the ways for teachers to get a better idea of what a student understands is to require that the student “transfer their learning” into a different format – moving between oral, written and artistic forms of expression. The transfer of knowledge and skills ensures that we are not testing a student’s memory recall (or the speed of their recall, as is the case with many tests). The added bonus is that the process of assessment and evaluation becomes much more interesting to students!
Some of the ways that I have students “transfer their learning” include:
- Creating multimedia presentations (presentation must NOT include any text on the slides – only images and video)
- Build a model and explain it
- Create a photo-essay
- Create a children’s book explaining the concepts in a basic way
- Interview a family member and reflect on the process
- Draw a concept map/mind map
- Create a Facebook/MySpace page for …
- Create a documentary video
Web 2.0 has generated so many wonderful online tools that students can use to transfer their learning into a different format. One of my favourite tools to use as an assessment piece is a program for creating comic strips called BitStripsForSchools. What’s amazing is that the Ministry of Education in Ontario has purchased a licence for ALL Ontario teachers – so it is free to use in your classes. I would highly recommend signing up at www.bitstripsforschools.com – all you need is an email address from one of the school boards across Ontario.
Some benefits of the program:
Students can create their own avatar to use in their comic strips, and use the avatars of other students in the class. (see my avatar on the right)- The interface is extremely easy to use.
- Students can publish their comic strips for the rest of the class to see and comment on.
- Teachers can create “class activities” in which students submit their work. This makes it very easy for teachers to give feedback on student work while in progress and upon completion.
I would love to hear what other types of assignments can be used to transfer knowledge and skills. Please put your thoughts in the comments.