A variety of resources are available online for your study of Educational Research in an Age of Accountability
- http://jonathan.mueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/toolbox/whatisit.htm
This website explains in depth how to create an authentic assessment. It explains step by step how to create one and even gives examples of assessments and rubrics. An instructor might consider assigning each student in this class to create an authentic assessment then implement it in his or her own classroom. The authentic assessment should take the place of a traditional assessment he or she already uses. After completing the assessment, students should reflect on their students' results. After reviewing this website and completing the assignment, students mayl become more involved and interested in an authentic assessment, rather than a traditional assessment like written test.
- http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/rel&val.htm
This website explains how validity and reliability are related. The website uses a target as a metaphor to explain how research needs to be both valid and reliable. Having a visual was very helpful. This website may be of benefit to visual learners.
- http://www.thememoryhole.org/edu/eric/ed286938.html
This websites suggests alternative methods to using standardized tests. Standardized tests have been criticized for not really determining what the student has learned or what he or she has achieved. The website lists alternative methods like; criterion-referenced tests, teacher-made tests, contract grading, and interviews. It may be beneficial for students to choose one of this alternatives and do further research. Students could report their findings to the class for further discussion and debate over the issue of standardized tests versus alternative methods of assessment.
