Activity Summaries as a Classroom Assessment Tool.

This study explored the usefulness of a classroom assessment technique called the activity summary template. It is proposed that the activity summary template enables students to process and organize information learning during an investigation. This process will in turn help students to achieve greater learning outcomes. The activity summary template comprises a summary of the main ideas, a statement of the importance of the activity for answering a research question, and new questions that emerge from the activity. The study took place in the context of the summative evaluation of Astronomy Village (registered): Investigating the Solar System (trademark) with middle school students. Using a path diagram analysis, the results indicate that the activity summary template holds great promise for helping low-achieving students to accomplish greater learning outcomes. In addition, it is a useful tool for teachers to monitor how well students are processing and organizing the information they are learning. An appendix contains examples of rated activity summaries. (Contains 2 figures and 12 references.) (SLD)