Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

A second-grade teacher uses a discussion activity after a zoo field trip followed by a drawing and written description. What type of assessment method does this exemplify?

1. Criterion-referenced

2. Portfolio review

3. Task analysis

4. Performance based

The correct answer is: Performance based

The assessment method exemplified by using a discussion activity followed by a drawing and written description after a zoo field trip is performance-based assessment. This method focuses on students demonstrating their understanding and skills through specific tasks that reflect what they have learned. In this scenario, the teacher is not only assessing students' knowledge through traditional testing but also through their ability to express their experiences and understanding of the zoo trip creatively and verbally. Students engage in discussions, which allows them to articulate their thoughts and insights about what they observed, thereby demonstrating their comprehension in a more practical, hands-on way. The drawing serves as a visual representation of their learning, and the written description reinforces their ability to communicate their thoughts effectively. Performance-based assessments enable teachers to observe students' skills in real-time and assess their learning in contexts that mimic practical applications, making this method particularly effective in early childhood education, where expressive skills are crucial.