What type of assessment is Mr. Rodriguez implementing by having students compare their first and most recent assignments?

When Mr. Rodriguez has students compare their first and most recent assignments, he is engaging them in a reflective practice that showcases their growth and learning over time. This process is indicative of using portfolios as a type of assessment tool. Portfolios are collections of student work that present evidence of learning and improvement. They allow both students and teachers to see how skills and knowledge have developed since the beginning of the course.

The act of comparing assignments highlights progress and encourages self-assessment, which is a key feature of portfolio-based assessments. This method provides valuable insights into each student’s learning journey, strengths, and areas needing improvement, thus fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

In contrast, standardized testing is designed to compare student performance across different populations and is not focused on individual growth. Summative assessments typically occur at the end of an instructional period to evaluate overall learning rather than track individual progress. Formative assessments are ongoing evaluations meant to inform instruction and improve student learning but do not usually involve the reflective comparison of past and present work like a portfolio does.