**Why Summative Assessment is Important for Teachers and Students** Summative assessments are tools that help teachers understand how well students have learned. It’s really important for teachers to know why these assessments matter because they can improve teaching and help students do better in school. **What is Summative Assessment?** At the end of a unit or course, summative assessments measure what students have learned. This can include tests, big projects, or presentations. By using summative assessments, teachers can see if students have reached their learning goals. Understanding how these assessments work helps teachers plan their lessons to prepare students better. **Benefits for Teachers** Summative assessments help teachers find out what’s working and what’s not in their teaching. If most students do poorly on a test, it might mean the teacher needs to explain the topic differently. But if many students do well, it can show that the teaching methods are effective. This feedback helps teachers improve their teaching strategies. **Informing Others About Progress** Summative assessments are also important because they communicate student progress to others. Parents, school officials, and educational boards want to know how students are doing. Sharing results from these assessments shows how well students are learning and helps find areas where they might need more help. This open communication builds trust and teamwork among everyone involved in education. **Encouraging Student Engagement** When students know they will be assessed at the end of a course, they are more likely to pay attention and take learning seriously. Summative assessments push students to really understand the material, rather than just finish their homework. They can think about what they did well and what they need to work on. This self-reflection can motivate them to improve in the future. **Improving Programs** Summative assessments also help schools improve their programs. By looking at the results from these assessments, educators can see how well the curriculum is working. If students are struggling with a certain topic, it might be time to adjust what is being taught. Understanding summative assessments is key for making educational improvements. **Using Data for Decision-Making** In education today, data is very important. Knowing how to use information from summative assessments can help teachers and schools make better decisions. This data can influence changes in school policies, how money is spent, and what resources are needed. Teachers who know how to interpret this data can advocate for their students and improve educational programs. **Conclusion** In short, understanding summative assessments is crucial for teachers. They help improve teaching, show progress, engage students, evaluate programs, and guide important decisions. This knowledge ultimately leads to better results for students and a more successful learning environment.
When we talk about assessments in education, it's important to know the difference between two types: summative and formative assessments. Each type has its own purpose, and knowing how they differ can change how we teach and learn. ### 1. Purpose: - **Summative Assessment:** This type is mainly for evaluation. It measures what students have learned at the end of a lesson or course. Examples are final exams, standardized tests, or big projects. The goal is to see how well students have done compared to a standard. - **Formative Assessment:** On the other hand, formative assessment is about helping students learn. It provides feedback while students are still learning. This can include quizzes, class discussions, or quick checks for understanding. It gives teachers and students a snapshot of student learning along the way. ### 2. Timing: - **Summative Assessment:** These are usually given at the end of a unit or course. They happen at set times and wrap up a specific learning cycle. - **Formative Assessment:** These take place during the learning process. Teachers use them frequently to provide ongoing feedback. They can happen anytime it feels right—right after a lesson, during a unit, or even at random times to see how well students understand. ### 3. Feedback: - **Summative Assessment:** Feedback comes after the assessment, mostly as a grade or score. While this feedback can help make future learning decisions, it might not be quick enough to help with current learning. - **Formative Assessment:** Feedback is quick and helpful. Teachers give immediate guidance that helps students understand what they did well and what they can improve on right away. This encourages a growth mindset. ### 4. Impact on Grades: - **Summative Assessment:** The grades from these assessments usually count a lot toward the final grade, affecting how students are scored overall. One test can really impact a student’s whole course grade. - **Formative Assessment:** Generally, these do not affect the final grade. They focus more on understanding where students are in their learning process rather than on assigning points. ### 5. Student Involvement: - **Summative Assessment:** Students mostly just complete the assessment. It’s a more passive experience. - **Formative Assessment:** These involve students actively. They require participation, self-reflection, and sometimes even peer feedback. This makes students an important part of their own learning journey. In summary, both summative and formative assessments are important in education, but they serve different purposes. Their differences in timing, feedback, impact on grades, and how students get involved create unique experiences in learning. Knowing how to use both can greatly improve educational experiences!
Setting grading standards for final tests can be really tough for teachers. Here are some of the main problems they face: 1. **Subjective Grading**: Research shows that nearly half of teachers might give different grades for the same test. This happens because of personal opinions or unclear grading rules. 2. **Matching Learning Goals**: Studies reveal that about 40% of tests don’t really connect to what students were supposed to learn. This can cause results that aren’t consistent. 3. **Different Student Needs**: Teachers often find it hard to grade fairly because students learn in different ways and come from various backgrounds. Around 70% of teachers say they struggle with this in mixed-ability classrooms. 4. **Trust in Assessments**: A survey found that 30-40% of teachers worry about how reliable their tests are, which can make student scores vary a lot. Because of these challenges, it’s important to create clear, consistent, and fair grading rules.
Feedback is super important when it comes to final assessments. These assessments usually happen at the end of a learning period and aim to check how much students have learned. Giving feedback during these assessments isn’t just about giving grades; it also helps shape students' learning and makes the assessments more trustworthy. First, feedback helps teachers explain what students should know. Sometimes, when students take assessments, they may not fully understand what is expected from them. Good feedback clears up these goals, helping students perform better. For example, when teachers point out why an answer is wrong and give clear advice on how to improve, students understand the expectations better. This understanding makes it more likely that the assessment shows what students are supposed to learn, which makes the results more valid. Next, feedback can connect assessment with ongoing learning. Many people think that final assessments mark the end of a course. But when feedback is used well, it turns this experience into a chance to learn more. For instance, if teachers give detailed feedback that shows how students can improve in certain areas, it encourages them to think about their learning and ask more questions. This back-and-forth between feedback and improvement leads to a clearer view of student abilities. Also, feedback can boost students' motivation and interest in learning. When students get specific and helpful feedback, they feel more in control of their learning journey. They realize that their performance isn’t just about their skills but also about their growth. For example, when a student receives feedback that praises their strengths and highlights areas for improvement, it helps them maintain a positive attitude. Students tend to see challenges as chances to learn, which helps them commit more to their learning goals. This engagement strengthens the validity of the assessment process. Additionally, letting students give feedback to each other can create a fun learning environment. When they look at and respond to each other’s work, they get to see different ideas and ways of thinking. This teamwork helps them think critically and understand the subject deeper. For example, peer reviews allow students to notice how their classmates understand things differently, leading to a richer learning experience. This way, summative assessments turn into a group effort rather than a lonely task, broadening its meaning by including various perspectives. Moreover, timely and personal feedback is key for meeting different learning needs. Each student has unique backgrounds, strengths, and challenges. When teachers provide feedback that is tailored to each student, they recognize these differences and offer specific ways to improve. This customized feedback not only respects the different ways students learn but also ensures that the assessment is a fair reflection of their understanding. Instead of treating all students the same, personalized feedback acknowledges and values the diversity in the classroom, making the assessment results more trustworthy. On a larger scale, feedback is also helpful for improving the assessment process. Teachers who gather feedback about their assessments can spot patterns, strengths, and weaknesses in their tests. For example, if many students struggle with a particular question, it might mean that the question was confusing or that the topic wasn’t taught well. Reflecting on this allows teachers to change assessments to better fit what they want students to learn. This process of continuous improvement leads to more valid assessments in the future and reinforces the educational system as a whole. Additionally, feedback encourages students to take charge of their learning. When students think about feedback, they develop skills that help them evaluate and manage their progress better. For example, when a student looks at their work based on feedback, they are more likely to set practical learning goals and seek help if needed. This sense of responsibility gives a more genuine view of their growth and achievements. Finally, using technology to give feedback can make assessments even better. Digital tools offer many ways to provide feedback, like quizzes that give instant results or online platforms for detailed comments on assignments. By using technology, teachers can offer timely and specific feedback that caters to different student needs. Moreover, these tools can track student progress over time, giving a fuller picture of their learning journey. This data-driven approach not only makes the assessment process more valid but also helps in making smarter teaching decisions in the future. In summary, feedback is essential in final assessments. It helps clarify learning goals, creates a culture of improvement, boosts motivation and involvement, encourages teamwork, addresses unique learning needs, refines assessment processes, promotes responsibility for learning, and uses technology effectively. Feedback turns assessments from simple tests of knowledge into meaningful learning moments that truly show what students can do. Therefore, figuring out the best ways to use feedback in final assessments should be a priority for teachers wanting to keep their evaluation processes strong and credible.
Technology is changing how we collect and understand data in schools, especially when it comes to tests that measure what students have learned. These changes help teachers and schools get a complete view of how students are doing. Here’s how technology is making a difference in summative assessments, which are tests given at the end of a unit to check what students have learned. **Easier Data Collection** With technology, teachers can gather a lot of information quickly and easily, without doing everything by hand. In the past, tests were mostly on paper, which made it hard to analyze the results right away. Now, digital tests can be given online. This allows teachers to get feedback and information instantly. - **Online Testing Platforms**: Websites like Google Forms and Blackboard let teachers give tests online. These platforms can automatically grade multiple-choice questions and numbers, making it faster for teachers to see how students did. - **Adaptive Assessments**: Some tests now use artificial intelligence to change their difficulty based on how well a student is doing. This means students get questions that are just right for them, helping teachers understand what each student is capable of. **Better Data Analysis** Technology also helps teachers understand the results better. Today, there are tools that can collect and display information in ways that are easier to understand. - **Data Visualization Tools**: Programs like Tableau let teachers create graphs and charts from test results. These visuals make it simple to spot trends and patterns in student performance. - **Statistical Software**: Tools like SPSS allow teachers to dig deeper into data. They can explore how different groups of students performed or see which teaching methods worked best. **Standardized Assessments** Another big plus of using technology is that it helps make tests fairer. Before, tests could be given in different ways, which might create bias. Now, technology ensures that all students take the same type of test under similar conditions: - **Standardized Testing Formats**: Online platforms can set the same time limits and question types for everyone, making tests more uniform. - **Data Security and Integrity**: Secure online tools help prevent cheating and keep student information safe. This makes sure that the data reflects a true picture of each student’s knowledge and skills. **Tracking Student Progress** Technology allows for tracking how students do over time. By keeping records of multiple tests, teachers can see how a student progresses: - **Student Progress Portfolios**: Many learning management systems (LMS) let teachers store assessment results in digital portfolios. This helps show how a student has grown and where they might need help. - **Performance Trends Analysis**: Data can be broken down by subjects or time periods. By looking at the results, teachers can improve their teaching methods to better fit their students’ needs. **Challenges Ahead** While technology offers many benefits, it also brings some challenges: - **Access to Technology**: Not every student has the same access to computers or the internet. This can create gaps in test results that don’t reflect what the students actually know. - **Data Privacy Concerns**: Schools need to be careful with student information. They have to follow privacy rules to protect personal data while still using it to improve learning. **Continuous Learning for Teachers** For technology to work well in assessments, teachers need ongoing training: - **Tech Training Workshops**: Regular training can help teachers learn how to use new tools, analyze data, and adjust their teaching styles. - **Collaboration and Sharing**: Teachers can benefit from sharing their experiences in groups, learning from each other about using technology in tests. **Conclusion** In summary, technology plays a key role in improving how we collect and analyze data from tests in education. It makes processes easier, provides better tools for understanding, and helps ensure fairness in testing. Although there are challenges like access and privacy issues, the advantages of using technology in assessments can make a big difference in helping students succeed.
When sharing assessment data with school boards, it's important to follow some best practices. This helps everyone understand the information better, leading to smarter decisions and greater involvement from everyone affected. Here are some easy tips to communicate assessment results clearly. ### Understand Your Audience - Remember that school board members might not know as much about assessments as teachers do. - Use simple language and avoid complicated terms. If you need to use special words, explain them clearly. ### Establish Clear Objectives - Before your presentation, decide what you want to achieve. Are you trying to inform, persuade, or get action? - Explain why the assessment data is important. Show how it connects to school goals and how it can help students improve. ### Use Data Visualization - Use charts, graphs, and other visuals to make the data easier to understand. - Make sure these visuals are clear and simple. Use different colors, labeled axes, and short legends to help people read them easily. ### Contextualize the Data - Give background information about the assessments. Explain their purpose, who was tested, and how the data was collected. - Show how current results compare with past data. This helps stakeholders see how things have changed over time. ### Focus on Key Findings - Highlight a few key results instead of sharing too many details. Focus on facts that can influence policies or practices. - Include quotes from the assessment reports or real-life examples to make your points more relatable. ### Encourage Questions and Dialogue - Allow school board members to ask questions during and after your presentation. This helps them engage and understand the information better. - Be open to discussions and feedback. Address any concerns and clear up misunderstandings as they come up. ### Link to Actionable Plans - Offer specific next steps based on the data. For example, if the data shows lower literacy scores, suggest focused training or other resources. - Include stakeholders in the planning by asking for their ideas on strategies for improvement. This teamwork builds a sense of ownership and commitment. ### Highlight Successes - While it’s important to talk about challenges, celebrate the successes too. Share the improvements and effective practices that have worked well. - Share success stories from certain schools or programs that others can learn from. ### Regular Updates - Make assessment data a regular topic in school board meetings. Provide updates on previous assessments and the impact of any strategies used. - Keep a consistent reporting schedule so the data stays relevant and sparks ongoing conversations about student success. ### Professional Development - Offer training sessions for board members on how to understand and use assessment data. - Help board members build the skills to interact with the data meaningfully. This encourages a culture of asking questions and improving continuously. ### Consider the Ethical Implications - Present the data ethically. Keep personal information private and avoid linking data to punishments for anyone. - Be honest about the limits of the assessment. Explain any outside factors that might have affected student performance. ### Follow Up - After your presentation, give board members written summaries or reports. This way, they can easily reference what was discussed. - Check in personally with any board member who has questions or needs clarification on specific points. By following these best practices, educators can communicate assessment data more clearly and effectively. Good communication helps everyone turn data into meaningful actions, improving the educational experience for all. In summary, effectively presenting assessment data to school boards means being clear, engaging, and providing actionable insights. Knowing your audience, using visuals, and encouraging open discussions are key to ensuring assessment results lead to real changes in educational practices and policies.
Summative assessments are usually seen as the final tests that measure what students have learned after a teaching period. But adding formative elements to these assessments can really help students understand better, stay engaged, and reflect on their learning. **Benefits of Adding Formative Elements:** 1. **Ongoing Feedback:** When we mix formative assessments into summative ones, students get continuous feedback. For example, using quizzes or reflective journals during a unit helps students check their understanding along the way. This way, they can make changes before the final test. 2. **Increased Engagement:** If summative assessments include formative activities, like peer reviews or team projects, students might feel more connected to their learning. Working together like this can boost their motivation and make them take more ownership of their education. 3. **Better Understanding:** Formative assessments focus on how students learn, not just what they produce at the end. When educators use things like case studies or presentations in summative assessments, they can see a fuller picture of what students know and can do. 4. **Finding Learning Gaps:** The formative parts help teachers see where students struggle or what they don’t understand. This insight allows teachers to give extra support and resources before the final assessments come around. **How to Put This into Practice:** - Plan regular check-ins or self-assessments leading up to a major project or test. - Use different types of assessments that allow for both final evaluation and input during the learning process, like portfolios or big projects. Adding formative elements to summative assessments makes the evaluation process richer and helps students learn better. It creates a more effective teaching atmosphere and improves student results. By understanding how formative and summative techniques work together, teachers can make a more lively and supportive learning environment.
**Understanding Summative and Formative Assessments in Education** Summative and formative assessments are two important tools used in education. They help teachers understand how students learn in different ways. Each type of assessment plays a big part in how we measure learning, adjust teaching methods, and create a welcoming environment for all students. **What Are Formative Assessments?** Formative assessments happen regularly during lessons. They help both students and teachers see how well learning is going. These assessments don't usually affect final grades. Instead, they provide helpful feedback to improve learning. Some common examples include: - Quizzes - Peer reviews - Reflection journals - Group discussions These assessments are great because they allow students to learn in ways that work best for them. For example, visual learners might like using charts or videos. On the other hand, auditory learners might excel in class discussions or listening to podcasts. **What Are Summative Assessments?** Summative assessments take place at the end of a learning period. They measure what students have learned throughout a unit or class. Common examples are: - Final exams - End-of-term projects - Standardized tests These assessments usually have a big impact on final grades. Summative assessments can be designed to fit various learning styles, too. For example, students who are good at writing might prefer multiple-choice questions, while those who learn best by doing might enjoy hands-on projects. **How Do Both Assessments Help Diverse Learning Styles?** Teachers can make both formative and summative assessments more effective by using different teaching styles. Here are some ways they can do this: 1. **Flexible Formats**: - Formative assessments can have different formats. Students can show what they know in ways that suit them, like through presentations or creative projects. - Summative assessments can also have choices, such as making a video instead of taking a test. This makes learning more engaging for everyone. 2. **Real-Time Feedback**: - One great thing about formative assessments is the quick feedback they give. This helps students adjust their learning strategies based on what they are good at and what needs improvement. - For summative assessments, teachers can give feedback on practice tests. This is helpful for students who need extra time to learn the material. 3. **Collaborative Learning**: - Formative assessments often use group activities, which can help students who learn better with others. - Summative assessments can include group projects too. This way, students can work together and learn from each other. 4. **Multiple Intelligences**: - Using Howard Gardner's idea of different kinds of intelligences helps shape assessments. Teachers can create tasks that engage different strengths, like music, movement, or social skills. - For summative assessments, clear grading rubrics can help support different ways students show they understand. 5. **Culturally Responsive Assessments**: - Formative assessments can include materials that reflect students’ backgrounds. This helps everyone feel valued and included. - Summative assessments can also be designed to respect different cultures. This means they not only check knowledge but also honor diverse perspectives. 6. **Integration of Technology**: - Technology makes formative assessments exciting with online quizzes and interactive activities. These tools can attract students who love using digital devices. - Summative assessments can also use technology. Online tests can adapt to how each student learns, making it a fairer experience. **Final Thoughts** Using both formative and summative assessments helps teachers meet the different learning styles in a classroom. By changing how these assessments are created and used, educators can build a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This is important for achieving better learning results and creating a culture where all students want to grow. Understanding the differences between these two types of assessments helps teachers tailor their methods to better serve their students. In doing so, we can promote a fairer education system for everyone.
**Understanding Rubrics in Education** Talking about summative assessments in education can be quite complicated, but it's really important. Teachers and evaluators want to find ways to make sure that assessments are fair and reliable. One great tool to help with this is the rubric. Think of a rubric as a map. It provides clear guidelines for evaluating student work. This way, both teachers and students can understand the evaluation process better, making it fair and easy to follow. **Why Consistency Matters** The main goal of using rubrics is to create consistency, which means being fair in every assessment. When teachers give tests or assignments, they need the results to truly show what students have learned, without letting personal opinions affect their judgment. Rubrics help to make sure everyone is on the same page. They provide a set of standards that all teachers can use, so everyone understands what makes work "excellent" or "acceptable." **What Rubrics Look Like** Rubrics typically break down what is expected in a project or assignment. For instance, if you have a writing assignment, the rubric might include sections like "Organization," "Content," "Grammar," and "Creativity." Each of these sections will have different levels of performance, such as "Excellent" or "Needs Improvement." By doing this, a rubric gives clear guidance that helps students improve with specific feedback. **Better Communication** One big plus of using rubrics is that they improve communication. They not only help teachers but also give students a clear idea of what to do. When students know exactly what is expected, they can tackle their assignments with greater confidence. This makes the learning process much better because students can use the rubric as a guide for their success. Fewer mixed messages mean that students and teachers can have better conversations about how to do well. **Helpful Feedback** Rubrics also help teachers give constructive feedback during assessments. For example, if a student scores "Needs Improvement" in a certain area, the teacher can refer to the rubric and offer specific tips for getting better. This helps students see that assessments are part of a bigger learning journey, not just a final score. **Looking at the Whole Picture** Rubrics allow for a more rounded view of student performance. Instead of just giving a single score, they evaluate many different skills at once. For example, in a science project, a rubric might look at how well the experiment was designed, how data was analyzed, and how the project was presented. This gives teachers a fuller picture of how well students are understanding the material. **Working with Others** Using rubrics can help create more reliable scores, especially when multiple teachers are assessing the same work. It's important for everyone to be on the same page to avoid confusion. By training teachers to use rubrics the same way, the final scores become more dependable. With practice, teachers can learn to read and score consistently. **Creating Quality Rubrics** Making a good rubric takes careful thought. It's not just about filling out a form; it's about getting clear on what’s important for students to learn. Talking with other teachers and even students can help create rubrics that are fair and effective. A well-made rubric that everyone agrees on increases fairness and reliability in assessments. **Using Rubrics Well** How rubrics are used also matters. They shouldn't just feel like something to get through; students should see them as helpful tools for learning. When students think of rubrics as ways to improve their work, they can become more engaged in their learning journey. As teachers get better at using rubrics, they can also make their assessments more effective. Getting feedback from students on how clear the rubrics are can highlight where improvements are needed. This ongoing process helps everyone grow—teachers and students alike. **Technology and Rubrics** Modern technology can help make rubrics easier to use in assessments. Digital tools allow teachers to share and visualize rubrics easily. Online scoring and real-time feedback can improve the whole assessment process. By using technology, teachers can gather more accurate data on student performance and make assessments more trustworthy. **The Role of Educators** However, just having a rubric doesn’t mean assessments will automatically be reliable. Teachers need to regularly upgrade their skills to keep their grading practices effective. Sharing thoughts with fellow teachers about how well the rubrics work can enhance understanding in the whole school community. **Conclusion** In summary, rubrics play a vital role in evaluating student work. They create clear and consistent assessments, open up communication, and provide detailed feedback that helps students grow. When designed and used well, rubrics enhance students' learning experiences. They make sure that assessments reflect what students have learned, rather than just numbers on paper. As we keep improving how we use rubrics, educators need to stay flexible and innovative. This commitment will not only help assess students accurately but also empower them to do their best. By working together, we can create a richer educational experience for all learners.
### Understanding Student Consent in Assessments When we talk about assessments in schools, one important idea is student consent. This means that students should agree to take part in assessments, and this agreement ties into the ethics of how those assessments are handled. Knowing why student consent matters helps us understand how to make assessments fair and respectful for everyone. First, let’s think about what student consent really means. It's about students having the right to make informed choices about participating in assessments. Instead of just being tools for measuring learning, assessments should be shared agreements between teachers and students. When students know what assessments are for and choose to take part, they feel more in control of their own learning. They move from just receiving grades to being involved in their educational journey. However, there is more to it than just telling students about the assessments. Students need clear information about how they will be judged, what the process looks like, and what could happen based on their results. They should understand how their performance affects their grades and what rights they have regarding their results. Keeping things clear and open in assessments builds trust and strong communication, which are super important in schools. A big issue with student consent is how assessments are usually done. Many traditional assessments focus on standardized tests, which can leave out students' individual voices and experiences. When assessments are the same for everyone, it can ignore differences in how students learn, their backgrounds, and their readiness to take the tests. Pushing students into a single mold without their consent can create serious problems, especially for those who might not feel ready. So, getting meaningful consent means understanding these differences and planning assessments that work for all kinds of learners. Also, looking at the power balance in schools is important. Teachers and schools have a lot of control over assessments, which can put students in tough spots. Sometimes, students feel they have to agree to participate without really understanding what that means. Teachers must make sure that consent is a real choice and not just a box to check. They should fight for students' rights and create an atmosphere where students feel safe speaking up or opting out without fear of being punished or losing points. To support ethical assessments that respect student consent, schools can do a few things: 1. **Educate**: Offer workshops that explain how assessments work, why they're done the way they are, and how students can get involved. 2. **Personalize**: Try to customize assessments to fit different student needs. This could mean giving choices in how assessments are done or making special arrangements for those with challenges. 3. **Dialogue**: Create spaces for students to share their thoughts, preferences, and concerns about assessments. This can help build a cooperative environment instead of just following rules. 4. **Feedback Mechanism**: After assessments, ask students for their feedback on how it went. This helps teachers understand feelings around fairness and clarity, making it easier to improve future assessments. 5. **Empowerment**: Help students feel confident to speak up about their needs and rights. This could include student-led discussions on consent and their role in assessments. On the other hand, ignoring the idea of consent in assessments can lead to big problems. When schools don’t follow ethical practices, students may feel frustrated and disconnected. These feelings can hurt both their schoolwork and the overall learning atmosphere. If students don’t agree with how assessments are done or feel their views don’t matter, they may struggle with feelings of not being good enough or worrying too much. In the end, student consent in assessments reminds us that balance is crucial in education. The goal of assessments—to check learning and help growth—can only be fully achieved if students work alongside teachers. By respecting their choices and ensuring they give informed consent, schools can not only meet ethical standards but also support students’ personal growth. In short, discussions about student consent should not just be something we learn about in class; they should shape how we approach education in the future. By listening to students and building an environment that values consent, teachers can create a culture of trust, respect, and shared responsibility. This leads to better assessments that are fair and impactful. So, including student consent in education isn’t just a good practice; it’s a step towards recognizing that students play an important role in their own learning journeys.