Blog Topic #14: Post-Test VTS Assessment & Analysis

"A Meeting, 1884” by Maria Bashkirtseff

• Pre-VTS 

Looking back at the data from their Pre-VTS writings I really remembered how far my students have come this semester. Their Pre-VTS data showed them having a total word count of 40-100wds with an impressive 1-6 adjectives. They initially used very little to no conditional language and were about half and half with their assertions with evidence and without evidence. They used very little to no revision of thought or multiple interpretations. The initial comprehension strategy used predominantly was inference with a few visualizing. 

• Post-VTS

I really am proud of how much they have grown. The post-vts data shows a total word count of 89-275 wds with 10 - 22 adjectives. They have become pros with conditional language averaging about 5 times each. Almost all of their assertions were with evidence. There were only two assertions without evidence. There were very few revisions of thought but there were about 6 different multiple interpretations. The comprehension strategies used were mainly inference but there was some questioning and some visualizing. 

• Analyze and Discuss

-More elaborate narratives?

Yes, the narratives were more elaborate

-Greater word count?

yes, the word count was over doubled

-Increased use of adjectives?

again, yes, the use of adjectives was over doubled

-Assertions with evidence?

yes, almost all of the assertions had evidence in the Post-VTS where-as only about half did in the Pre-VTS

-Use of conditional language?

The students did a great job of this in the Post-VTS and averaged about 5 uses of conditional language each. 

-Suggesting various possibilities? 

In the Post-VTS the students did a great job of suggesting various possibilities and multiple interpretations. There was very little of this in the Pre-VTS. 

• Interpret Preliminary Findings

These preliminary findings show that my students have grown through this process and are more proficient in their ability to discuss and write about artwork. I would also say that these findings show that my students are more confident in discussing artwork.  

• Discuss anything out-of-the-ordinary 

There was nothing out-of-the-ordinary during the Post-VTS nor in their writings. 

• Note any Surprises    

I expected everything to improve somewhat but I was surprised at how much it had improved especially the total word count. I was surprised that it was more than double from the Pre-VTS.