How Do We Know They’re Getting Better?: Assessment for 21st Century Minds, K–8

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.

Table of Contents:
Appreciations About the Author Introduction 1. An Overview 2. Teacher Modeling 3. Creating the Invitation-to-Risk Environment 4. Curriculum for the 21st Century 5. Preassessments 6. Formative Assessments: Gathering a "Wealth of Information" 7. From Stories to Powerful Questions 8. "My Inquiry Skills Shot Through the Roof!" 9. "STEM Changed My Life!" 10. "Cookie-Cutter A" Becomes Self-Directed Student 11. Inquiry Begins at Home 12. After Action Reviews Index

About the Author :
Learn more about John Barell′s PD offerings John Barell is Professor Emeritus of Curriculum and Teaching at Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, and former public school teacher in New York City. For the past several years he has been a consultant for inquiry-based instruction and creation of science/social studies networks at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. For most of his educational career he has worked with schools nationally to foster inquiry, problem-based learning, critical thinking, and reflection. Barell is the author of several books, including Teaching for Thoughtfulness: Strategies to Enhance Intellectual Development (1995, 2nd ed.) and Developing More Curious Minds (2003).

Review :
“John Barell′s writing provides insight and a compelling vision for educators in design and inquiry to promote critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration and the engagement of all learners. This is a must read for educators, parents and policymakers to successfully create a culture of inquiry for 21st century learning.” "This courageous work, told brilliantly through the stories of teachers and students throughout top classrooms in the U.S. and Canada, gives readers tools for observing, monitoring, and assessing students’ critical thinking skills and project based outcomes. This is a must read for 21st century teachers and school leaders." "An inspiring and practical direction for assessing the most critical skills our students must acquire to create, lead, and problem solve. Barell demonstrates the urgency of a curriculum standard for implementing inquiry learning in today’s classrooms. This book offers an exciting vision for revolutionizing instructional methods in the 21st century."