Self-assessment involves developing the ability to assess and revise your own work. The three-step process that the New Mexico School for Arts utilizes includes seeing examples of mastery, learning vocabulary specific to their craft, and practicing peer critique. Teachers should show students mastery work that way they have an idea as to the expectation is for their work. When providing students with vocabulary to analyze their work, teachers could create a word wall and make a conscious effort to use the vocabulary themselves. If students do not know the vocabulary, then how are they supposed to self-assess? Additionally, teachers should teach students how to give peer critiques to learn how to become more open to hearing and using feedback. Teachers can create a verbal critique contract to ensure what they are getting out of the critique and to understand what behaviors are expectable. When starting this step, teachers should teach students how to stay away from vague and hurtful language, start with a written critique, help them understand why they do or do not like something, and facilitate post-critique discussions. By following these three steps, students will be on their way to successfully being able to self-assess their own work.
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Abstract by Elizabeth Wood, AIR apprentice
