I think using games as an assessment tool is a great way to make learning more fun and engaging for students. When I think back to elementary school, I remember using Starfall in my first-grade classroom. My teacher would put Starfall up on the ELMO, and we would complete activities together as a class. I enjoyed it because it was different from our usual worksheets and lessons. At the time, I didn't even realize we were practicing important skills while having fun.
Another experience I remember is taking typing tests in computer class. We would practice typing and then complete tests to see how fast we could type and how many mistakes we made. I always wanted to beat my previous score and loved seeing myself improve. Looking back, I realize these tests allowed our teacher to assess our progress while keeping us motivated.
As a future teacher, I would love to incorporate games into my classroom, especially because younger students learn so much through play. I could use interactive games to review letters, numbers, shapes, or vocabulary words. While students participate, I could observe their responses to see who understands the material and who might need extra support.
However, I would want to make sure all students feel comfortable participating and don't feel pressured to answer quickly or correctly every time. I also wouldn't rely entirely on games because it can be difficult to assess individual understanding during group activities.
Overall, my experiences with Starfall and typing tests helped me realize how games can make assessments enjoyable. I hope to create similar experiences for my future students while using games alongside observations and other assessments.
