The Workbook as a Strategy

Using a workbook is an example of a strategy that can be used to assess knowledge.

For instance: if each student used a workbook, by the end of a topic, the student and the educator would have a portfolio of sorts. The student can see progress of knowledge of the topic, and the educator can correct misconceptions at an early stage.

If the student retains the workbook, then they can use it as a reference tool. If the school keeps the work book, then the need to write progress reports is negated, as a history of the student's progress would be available.

If the workbook is only used one time then the student can write all over it. White space reserved for summarization can be provided. Information can be presented spatially, allowing students to trace relationships. Tear out cards can allow the student to assemble the important topics in a way that makes sense to them. Students would own their work.

I could go on and on about the benefits of this strategy, but it is important to not fill in all the blanks for each strategy, so the educator can think of their personal uses for the strategy.