Authentic Assessment Objectives The proposed critical theory demonstrates

Authentic Assessment: Objectives The proposed critical theory demonstrates the importance of summarizing text and breaking it down into smaller parts so that it is better understood by student learners Evaluating a specific text by using a specific theoretical approach requires an effective understanding of that theory to identify common themes within the text itself Theory-based approaches to literature are critical to improved learning and comprehension in this area of study Identifying textual components separately enables students to evaluate texts in a different way that is a helpful learning tool for long-term academic growth

Authentic Assessment: Vocabulary and Terminology Assimilation: A concept developed by Jean Piaget to explore new ideas and integrate them into existing frameworks (Cherry, 2013) Accommodation: The manner in which older, less modern ideas are replaced by newer and more innovative approaches (Cherry, 2013) Adaptation: Making adjustments as required within the surrounding environment in order to accomplish the desired learning objectives (Cherry, 2013)

Authentic Assessment: Breakdown An example of assimilation: identifying a specific breed of dog as a Dalmation because of its black spots and white coat; however, the dog is actually a Great Dane, which is a much larger breed An example of accommodation: Upon learning that the dog is not a Dalmation but is instead a Great Dane even though they look similar, the individual accommodates his or her original belief An example of adaptation: Recognizing that a dog with a specific coat and markings may be more than one type of breed

Authentic Assessment: Theoretical Summary Jean Piaget is a world-renowned theorist with a focus on the ability of human beings to recognize things and pattern them into specific categories (Mc. Leod, 2012) This theory is comprised of three basic principles: Schemas, or “building blocks of knowledge” that address specific behaviors, thoughts, ideas, and concepts, which are grouped together (Mc. Leod, 2012) Transitions between stages (assimilation and accommodation) (Mc. Leod, 2012) Developmental stages, including sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational (Mc. Leod, 2012)

Authentic Assessment: Theoretical Summary The examples provided demonstrate that although Piaget’s theory is grounded in cognitive psychology, it is significant to literature and reading comprehension Assimilation, Accommodation, and Adaptation represent a means of using information in different ways to determine patterns and to associate ideas with one another These concepts serve as the foundation for reading comprehension and the understanding of complex literature Literature must be broken down into specific frameworks to improve performance

Authentic Assessment: Questions & Answers What is a real-life example of an assimilation that you have recently made? Can you think of an example whereby you accommodated a specific idea and changed your rationale accordingly? How well do you adapt to change to expand your knowledge base? Do you believe that assimilation, accommodation, and adaptation are relevant to modern literature and reading comprehension?

Authentic Assessment: References Cherry, K. (2013). Background and key concepts of Piaget’s theory. Retrieved from http: //psychology. about. com/od/piagetstheory/a/keycon cepts. htm Cherry, K. (2013). What is assimilation? Retrieved from http: //psychology. about. com/od/aindex/g/assimilatio n. htm Mc. Leod, S. (2012). Jean Piaget. Retrieved from http: //www. simplypsychology. org/piaget. html