Assessment in

Secondary Social
Studies

Michael P. Vale
ESSAY
 ESSAY
• A test which consist of small number of
question to which students are expected to
demonstrate his ability to:
– Recall factual knowledge
– Organize knowledge
– Present knowledge in a logical, integrated
answer to question.
 ESSAY
• Short-answer (restricted).
Calls for short, specific explanation of one particular
concept.
Examples:
• The percentage of unemployed increased following
an increase in interest rates. Briefly explain the
relationship.
• Is it good to always rely on imports? Why or why
not?
• BETTER: Explain why is it not good to always rely on
imports?
 ESSAY
• Extended-response Essay.
Calls for explanation (commonly with a personal
opinion) of concepts.
Examples:
• Describe what you think of the role of government in
maintaining a stable economy in the Philippines.
Include specific programs and policies and cite
reasons for your proposal.
• Predict the effect of interest rates on consumers,
producers and investors. Include an explanation on
how your predictions follow the fundamental
economic principles.
 GENERAL GUIDELINES
• Construct a rubrics for the essay. (As much as
possible, one rubrics for different essay as each
measures specific objectives), you may change
only the descriptors but not the Areas of
assessment /Criteria. Common criteria include
Ideas/content, Organization, Word Choice,
Grammar.
• Never put your own bias of opinion to avoid
subjective assessment.
ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGES
IN SOCIAL STUDIES SUBJECTS
 ADVANTAGES
• Easier and less time consuming to construct
• Provide opportunity to test students abilities to
argue, defend and create statements.
• Measures HOTS (analysis, synthesis, evaluating
and creating)
 DISADVANTAGES
• Provides low reliability
• Requires extensive amount of time checking
• Subject to teachers biases
MARAMING SALAMAT PO!
“WHEN YOU ARE
TIRED WITH WHAT
YOU’RE DOING,
ALWAYS GO BACK
TO YOUR REASON
WHY.”
BREAK THE
ODDS,
CONQUER YOUR
FEARS,
BE THE NEXT LET
TOPNOTCHER!

-MICHAEL P. VALE
Licensed Professional
Teacher (LPT)
September 2016 LET,
4th National Placer