Students in elementary schools are given performance tasks to assess their ability to apply skills acquired in class. The tasks require solving of a mathematical or scientific situation, where a student applies knowledge acquired and gives a detailed report or presentation of his findings. This enables the instructor to measure the student's level of understanding, ability to apply skills taught, and also to measure presentation skills. A math teacher may give a problem that requires the students to apply abilities taught earlier in class to solve the problem. How well the students respond enables the teacher to draw a conclusion on the students' understanding levels.
Observation is a mode of assessment used in elementary schools whereby the teacher notes the progress of the students during a class period. The instructor is able to observe the students' understanding and level of participation in class tasks. Using a checklist is also a form of observation that a teacher uses whenever a student masters a particular skill. The teacher can use notebooks or audiotapes to store these observations for future reference.
Interviews are interactive sessions between a student and a tutor. The tutor gets the opportunity to ask direct questions of the student in order to get a better understanding of the student's skills, attitudes and thinking processes. The student is asked questions related to a particular subject. Based on the answers the students give, the interviewer evaluates and highlights the student's weak and strong areas. Interviews give the instructor a more personal approach to the student's assessment.
Creative performances and exhibitions is another mode of assessment used in elementary school. It allows the students the opportunity to engage in media, artistic, dramas and other modalities to demonstrate their views on a particular task and application of skills. Students have the freedom to express themselves outside the classes. Creative performances act as a source of motivation for students to become creative and develop authentic ideas from their learning.