1910's

The article "The Changing Picture of Assessment" describes how assessment has changed during the last decade. Assessment used to be viewed as a formal test that took place at the midle or at the end of instruction. This formal assessment was characterized by the inclusion of multiple choice questions which was able to test very low level of learning such as knowledge and comprehension. This form of assessment was not an integral part of the learning instruction. it was more separate and diferent from normal classroom life. In addition, the result of these assessment could no be use as a source of significant information. No information in regard to where the strengh or weakness of the students fall under, or which skills the students had improve over a period of time. The objective of these assessment was student relatated only, as a result only a graded was the end result. In the recent years this type of assessment has being modify. Now insted of the student being the center and the only participant. Other participans are involved in the process such as teachers, schools boards, states. In order words assessment are an essential part of the learning process and the most important tool to make administrative decision in the school system. Administrators can obtain important information that answer many specify questions in order to implement new programs and monitor learning results. . The author mentioned a new approach called Classroom-based assessment. The Classroom-based is a complete assessment system because it combines formal and informal assessment as a guided of instruction. how now assessments are integrated into the life of the classroom, it is integral part of the learning outcomes. It keep the teacher in task and students motivated in the class. In order to obtain this type of enviroment a teacher has to implement many aunthetic assessment which refers to assessment tasks that immitate real life situation. For example in a spanish class an authentic item, it one that is not modify for a specific situation but it is taken from a natural setting. For example answering questions about a newspaper from a spanish speaking country can be define as an authentic activity that can be part of a daily lesson plan.