Valerie J. Janesick Knihy

Using innovative metaphors from dance, yoga, and meditation, this book guides qualitative researchers in unlocking their intuitive and creative potential. Each chapter features "stretching" exercises designed to enhance essential fieldwork skills, including observation, interviewing, and analysis. Additionally, readers are encouraged to maintain a reflective journal, serving as a lifelong resource for their research journey. This Fourth Edition emphasizes the importance of cultivating both mindset and technique in qualitative research.

The Authentic Assessment Primer introduces education students to the phenomenon known as authentic assessment. As such, it is the perfect antidote to high stakes testing, since it relies on performance and shows what a student «can do.» In an authentic approach, teachers see assessment as a means to educate and improve student performance, as opposed to simply auditing it on a one-shot test. Authentic tasks require quality performance connected to the learner’s world. It is multilayered and complex. The Authentic Assessment Primer provides feedback continually and the learner self adjusts. This approach to assessment looks for higher order thinking skills and demonstration of knowledge. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced teachers can all benefit from understanding the goals, the process, and the techniques of authentic assessment, such as portfolios, essays, and writing samples, recordings, role plays, journal writing, and demonstrations to name a few. Every education student and instructor needs to read this book.

Focusing on the latest advancements in testing and assessment tools, this comprehensive reference explores their application in enhancing student performance. It provides insights into effective strategies and methodologies, making it a valuable resource for educators seeking to implement evidence-based practices in their classrooms.