How Do We Know Theyre Getting Better?: Assessment for 21st Century Minds

Boost your students′ 21st century skills

How do we measure students′ inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities so that we know they are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century? John Barell explains how inquiry leads to problem-solving and provides specific steps for pre, formative and summative assessment that informs instruction of 21st century skills. Included are examples that show how to use today′s technology in the classroom and how to use inquiry to develop and assess students′ ability to:

• Think critically and creatively
• Collaborate with others
• Become self-directed learners
• Adapt and become resourceful
• Develop a sense of leadership, responsibility, and global awareness

The authors challenge teachers to reflect on their own learning, thinking, and problem-solving processes as well as those of their students. The text provides frameworks for monitoring students′ progress and guidelines for communicating with parents. Teachers will find examples from all grade levels that show how to observe and assess students′ growth in their development of 21st century capacities, making this a timely and valuable resource.