Rethinking Assessment

In this episode of the Teacher Fellows Podcast, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley dive into innovative assessment practices and the importance of rethinking traditional approaches. They are joined by guest Anna Bessesen (and for a short time Eric Evans), experienced educator who shared insights on maximizing student engagement and mastery through project-based learning and self-assessment. Highlighting the shift from summative to formative assessments, the discussion explores how clear success criteria and iterative feedback can transform the learning experience for students. This engaging conversation provides practical strategies and reinforces the philosophy that learning is an ongoing, dynamic process.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter

00:49 Preview of Today's Topic: Rethinking Assessment

01:29 Meet the Guests: Anna and Eric

02:20 Defining Assessment

03:27 Rethinking Traditional Assessment Methods

07:06 Practical Changes in Assessment Practices

11:49 Teaching Students to Self-Assess

18:09 Time Management and Teacher Tips

19:44 Top Takeaways and Conclusion

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Anna Bessesen - High School Computer Science Teacher, National Board Certified - Granite School District
  • Instagram:@themxbest

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Alfie Kohn - The Case Against Competition

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:

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Teacher Fellows Website: teacherfellows.org

Linkedin: Utah Teacher Fellows

Twitter: @TeachFellowsPod or @HSG_UT

Instagram: @TeacherFellowsPodcast or @hsg_ut

Facebook: @utahteacherfellowsprogram

Email us: socialmedia@hopestreetgroup.org

PART OF THE SHOW

Hosts:

• Lauren Merkley (insta: @lmerkles) -- Taught AP English Language and Composition, Creative Writing in Granite School District, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year
• Ryan Rarick (insta: @raricks_room) -- Education Pathway Teacher for Washington Country School District, 2025 Rising Teacher Leader of the Year

Executive Producer:

• Kayla Towner (insta: @itsteachertowner) -- Taught elementary education K-6th, Technology Specialist, Project Manager, Podcast Producer, Teacher Engagement Lead, and the 2020 UCET Outstanding Young Educator Award

Info Drop Spokesperson:

• John Arthur (insta: @9thEvermore) -- Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, 6th Grade Teacher in Salt Lake School District, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Teacher of the Year Finalist.