Using a ranking ladder as an assessment activity

This afternoon we started an assessment piece for this term's topic, "Happy Healthy Me".  Rather than individually writing a report on what they have learned, children worked in small, co-operative groups to brainstorm ideas about what they can do each day to stay happy, stay healthy and stay fit. They recorded their ideas on post-its. A couple of children chose to illustrated some of their ideas, if they felt they didn't quite have the words to describe their thinking.

Next, the children worked together to discuss the 'importance' of each idea. Each group used a ranking ladder to do this. Rules for using the ranking ladder include:

• each member of the group must be satisfied with the place of each idea on the ladder.
• If disagreement occurs, each person must explain why they wish to rank that idea the way they do
• If disagreement continues, then the idea is placed to the side.

Finally, they numbered their most "important" idea as number one, and then worked down, in terms of importance.

This activity promotes lots of oral discussion and negotiations skills. It also allows for students to support each other with the remembering of key moments of learning.  Rather than 'sinking or swimming' individually, collectively the group can all work together to achieve a successful outcome.