1.2. The Nature of Assessment in MYP Arts

Assessment in MYP Arts is criterion-related, meaning students are evaluated based on pre-established criteria that align with the objectives of the subject. These assessments are designed to be fair, consistent, and transparent.

In the MYP Arts curriculum, assessments are not random or subjective; they follow specific criteria that have been set beforehand. This means that all students are assessed on the same standards, which ensures that the process is fair and consistent across the board. The criteria are closely related to the objectives set for each art form, ensuring that what students are evaluated on is relevant to their learning goals.

Imagine if a sports coach only judged players based on their feelings about the game rather than their actual performance or skills demonstrated during practice. This would lead to inconsistency and unfairness. Instead, just like in MYP Arts, coaches use pre-set criteria—like speed, teamwork, and strategy—to evaluate each player fairly.

MYP assessments emphasize: • Formative assessment (ongoing, supportive feedback) • Summative assessment (final evaluations after a unit/project) • Student reflection and self-assessment • Holistic understanding of artistic creation, interpretation, and appreciation.

There are different types of assessment in the MYP Arts program. Formative assessments are informal and occur throughout the learning process, providing ongoing feedback to help students improve. Summative assessments take place after a project is complete, offering a final evaluation of what students have learned. Reflective self-assessment allows students to think about their own work and progress, deepening their understanding of their creative journey. Lastly, assessments cover a holistic understanding of the arts, meaning they consider not just the final product but the entire process of artistic creation.

Think of learning to play a musical instrument. The ongoing lessons and feedback you receive from your teacher while practicing are like formative assessments. The final recital performance, where you showcase everything you’ve learned, is like a summative assessment. Reflection happens when you think about how you played afterward and what you can improve next time.

Assessment is based on four key criteria that are used across all strands of arts – Visual Arts, Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama), and Media Arts.

In MYP Arts, assessment is structured around four main criteria that cover different aspects of student performance. These criteria are Knowing and Understanding, Developing Skills, Thinking Creatively, and Responding. Each criterion helps to assess a student's abilities and knowledge in a comprehensive manner across various art forms. This ensures that each student’s performance can be compared equally, regardless of which discipline they are studying.

Consider a multi-sport athlete who practices soccer, basketball, and swimming. They would need to demonstrate skills specific to each sport: understanding the rules of the game, developing athletic abilities, thinking creatively in their play, and responding to feedback from coaches. Similarly, the MYP arts criteria assess students across different art mediums, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.

A variety of tasks and formats are used to assess students across the four criteria: Task Type Purpose Sample Activities: Process Journal Tracks student growth and reflection; Weekly entries with sketches, reflection notes, feedback; Performances/Exhibitions Demonstrate skills and creativity; Art exhibitions, live plays, concerts; Investigative Research Assess contextual and cultural understanding; Research on surrealism or theatre of the oppressed; Critiques and Reviews Assess ability to respond and analyze artwork or a performance; Writing reviews of peers’ work; Creative Projects Integrate knowledge and skills; Final artwork, short film, choreography.

Students are assessed through diverse tasks tailored to each criterion. For instance, a process journal allows students to document their growth and reflect on their experiences. Performances or exhibitions are crucial for demonstrating their skills and creativity. Investigative research tasks help students understand the broader context of their art forms, while critiques and reviews foster critical thinking and evaluation of artistic works. Creative projects are where students integrate everything they've learned to produce a final piece of art.

Think of a student preparing for a science fair. They would keep a lab journal to track their experiments (like a process journal), present their findings to an audience (like an exhibition), research the scientific principles behind their experiment (similar to investigative tasks), and evaluate their own project along with others' projects (like critiques). Each of these activities enhances their learning experience and culminates in a final presentation.

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