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Chapter 30
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-7305-0.ch030
ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the process of implementing problem based assessment at the college/university
level in teacher education. Past research points to an overemphasis on factual information, lecture, and
paper and pencil tests in higher education. Performance based assessment is discussed as an alterna-
tive and a measure that calls for students to demonstrate more active participation, critical thinking,
and work that aligns more closely to what they will actually be engaged in in the feld of education after
graduation. Particularly, a case study of one university’s path in the implementation of performance
based assessment is highlighted. The process of implementing three specifc performance based assess-
ments are considered as well as roadblocks, assets, and specifc methods found to be benefcial and/or
challenging.
INTRODUCTION
As Dr. Moore finished grading the last exam in the large stack of papers before her, she took a mo-
ment to reflect on the purpose or perhaps the futility of her efforts. She had data before her, didn’t she?
Couldn’t she easily divide her class into stacks of high, middle, and low achievers and make sound data
based judgments about their abilities from there? Or could she? Dr. Moore considered whether a series
of multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions could truly be representative of her teacher
candidates’ performance in the dynamic and ever changing world of the elementary age classroom. Dr.
Moore’s ponderings led to a larger discussion amongst peers about altering the manner of assessments
One University’s Pathway
to a Change in Practice
Renee Moran
East Tennessee State University, USA
Karen Keith
East Tennessee State University, USA
Huili Hong
East Tennessee State University, USA