Today is the last day of our first quarter, and I had my IB Theory of Knowledge students work in groups of three to prepare presentations on this topic:

How do each of the Ways Of Knowing — Perception, Language, Reason, and Emotion — help and hinder our search for knowledge. Give examples of each.

I suspect that the assignment won’t make much sense if you’re not familiar with the course, but most teachers certainly are familiar with the idea of students making presentations as summative assessments.

I had students prepare posters and six minute presentations that they gave in a “speed-dating” style — two groups would present to each other and then one would move to the right. Each group presented three times. You can see a short video of them at our class blog.

Afterwards, students also answered two questions:

1. Do you think preparing and giving the presentation was a fair and accurate way to assess your understanding of what we learned this quarter? Why or why not?

2. Would a more formalized test — multiple choice or essay — been a more fair and more accurate way to assess your understanding of what we learned this quarter? Why or why not?

Here are representative responses:

1. Do you think preparing and giving the presentation was a fair and accurate way to assess your understanding of what we learned this quarter? Why or why not?

It was fair because we shared opinions while learning new ways to interpret knowledge.

No, because in order for it to be accurate we would have needed loads more time.

Yes, it was fair and accurate because you could really compare with others. If they had a different answer you could always ask why.

Yes, I think it was a great review for me to understand the ways of knowing and I was able to see how others interpreted them. I saw new wways that can add to my understanding.

2. Would a more formalized test — multiple choice or essay — been a more fair and more accurate way to assess your understanding of what we learned this quarter? Why or why not?

It would have been worse because we’d memorize the information rather than really thinking things through and coming up with visuals and stories.

It would have been worse. Since it is only about you, then you can’t really compare with others.

It would have been worse because I wouldn’t have enjoyed it.

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