I had determined a great way to assess my choir students ability to sight read and to demonstrate their knowledge of solfege is to have them actually do it. Yes, instead of testing them with the standard written test, fill in the blank, or multiple choice option, I would have them actually SING in choir. I know I am very forward thinking... ha!
The trick with this kind of assessment is to alleviate any unnecessary fear surrounding the assessment. Choir kids are already self conscious. I opted to allow students to test in groups. This really seemed to ease some of the pain surrounding the testing.
Round ONE:
The first time I did this type of assessment I learned some important things.
1. Don't let the kids pick their own groups.
Why, you may ask? Well, I found the stronger singers tended to group together, leaving those needing extra help totally helpless. The second assessment consisted of groups of TWO students, and I had put the groups together. This means that I put my strongest singer, with my weakest. The assessment was MUCH improved for my weaker singers this way.
2. Make a rubric!
I didn't think that far ahead the first assessment. I thought...correct notes, full credit! However, the students didn't know how to get a good grade, and what I was looking for. Silly of me, huh? So the next time around I made a clear rubric. It consisted of a possible four points and included details such as how many notes or rhythms they could miss, what happened if they stopped singing, or didn't sing at all, and if they missed a solfege word. This was so much more clear the second time around...duh!
3. Allow classroom time for practice as a partnership.
This was an obvious alteration the second time around. It was clear allowing the groups to meet and practice sight-reading together would assist with the nerves for the final assessment.
4. Don't speak about the assessment with hushed voices.
Don't mention the word TEST, or QUIZ or any other such word. Just announce the activity like it is no biggie. It is expected for a choir member to sing in choir, right?
