How to best evaluate educational assessment?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Evaluating Educational Assessment: The Key to Effective Learning
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, assessment stands as a crucial pillar that informs teaching practices and shapes student learning. However, the effectiveness of educational assessments is often debated. To maximize their potential, it is essential to adopt a multifaceted approach that encompasses various evaluation methods, embraces technology, focuses on formative assessment, and fosters a growth mindset. By doing so, we can ensure that educational assessments not only measure knowledge but also enhance the learning experience.
The Importance of Diverse Evaluation Methods
One fundamental aspect of effective educational assessment is the use of diverse evaluation methods. Relying solely on standardized tests can provide a narrow view of a student’s capabilities. Different students exhibit their understanding through various modalities—some excel in verbal communication, while others may demonstrate their knowledge through artistic expression or practical application. Incorporating a range of assessment types, including project-based assessments, portfolios, and peer evaluations, can provide a more comprehensive overview of a student’s learning journey.
Example: Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning (PBL) is an exemplary method that enables students to engage with real-world problems and apply their knowledge in practical situations. By evaluating students through PBL, educators can assess critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—skills that standardized tests often overlook. This holistic approach not only enriches the assessment process but also prepares students for real-life challenges.
Embracing Technology in Assessment
The integration of technology in educational assessment has revolutionized how we evaluate student learning. Digital platforms offer innovative assessment tools that enable educators to gather data efficiently and effectively. Online quizzes, interactive simulations, and adaptive testing can provide immediate feedback to both students and teachers, allowing for timely adjustments in instruction.
Benefits of Technology-Enhanced Assessment
1. Immediate Feedback: Technology allows for instantaneous feedback, enabling students to reflect on their understanding and make necessary improvements.
2. Data Analytics: Educators can analyze data trends over time to identify areas for improvement and tailor instruction to meet individual needs.
3. Accessibility: Technology-driven assessments can be designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and disabilities, making education more inclusive.
Focusing on Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is a critical component of effective evaluation. Unlike summative assessments—which typically occur at the end of an instructional period—formative assessments are ongoing and aimed at monitoring student learning in real-time. This type of assessment provides valuable insights into student progress and helps educators adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.
The Role of Feedback in Formative Assessment
Constructive feedback is integral to formative assessment. Rather than merely assigning grades, educators should provide targeted feedback that highlights strengths and areas for improvement. This approach encourages a growth mindset among students, fostering resilience and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Lastly, fostering a growth mindset within the educational assessment framework is essential for student success. Students who believe that their abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance are more likely to embrace challenges and strive for improvement. Educators can cultivate this mindset by emphasizing the learning process over mere outcomes.
Strategies for Encouraging a Growth Mindset
1. Celebrate Effort: Acknowledge students’ hard work and dedication rather than solely focusing on grades.
2. Encourage Risk-Taking: Create a safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes as part of their learning journey.
3. Teach Resilience: Help students understand that setbacks are opportunities for growth, reinforcing the idea that persistence leads to success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, evaluating educational assessment requires a multifaceted approach that integrates diverse evaluation methods, embraces technology, emphasizes formative assessment, and cultivates a growth mindset. By adopting these strategies, educators can create a more effective assessment system that not only measures student knowledge but also enhances the overall learning experience. Ultimately, the goal of educational assessment should be to empower students to reach their fullest potential, preparing them for the challenges of the future.
