You decide to create/design/compile an activity that can practically demonstrate how to apply social justice when developing assessments to your colleagues.

One activity that could be used to demonstrate how to apply social justice when developing assessments to colleagues is a case study analysis exercise.

First, provide your colleagues with a case study that presents a scenario where social justice issues are at play in the assessment process. This could involve issues such as bias, discrimination, or inequity in the assessment design or implementation.

Next, divide your colleagues into small groups and have them analyze the case study using a social justice lens. Encourage them to consider how the assessment could be redesigned or modified to address the social justice issues present in the scenario.

After the groups have had time to discuss and analyze the case study, come back together as a larger group to share their findings and recommendations. Facilitate a discussion on the importance of considering social justice in assessment design and how it can help promote fairness and equity for all students.

Finally, have each group present their proposed changes to the assessment based on their analysis of the case study. Encourage feedback and discussion from the larger group on the proposed changes and how they align with principles of social justice.

By engaging in this case study analysis exercise, your colleagues will have a practical demonstration of how to apply social justice when developing assessments and will be better equipped to incorporate these principles into their own assessment practices.

Activity: Applying Social Justice in Assessment Development

Objectives:

- Understand key principles of social justice in assessment.
- Develop strategies for creating equitable and inclusive assessments.
- Identify and address potential biases in assessment design and grading.

Materials:

- Whiteboard or flip chart
- Markers
- Handouts on social justice principles
- Case studies or real-world examples

Procedure:

Part 1: Introduction to Social Justice in Assessment

- Begin by reviewing key principles of social justice, such as equity, inclusion, and respect for diversity.
- Discuss how these principles apply to assessment practices.
- Provide examples of how biased assessments can impact marginalized students.

Part 2: Identifying and Addressing Biases

- Divide participants into small groups.
- Assign each group a case study or real-world example of an assessment.
- Task groups with identifying potential biases in the assessment, considering factors such as:
- Language/vocabulary
- Cultural references
- Accessibility
- Grading criteria

Part 3: Developing Equitable Assessments

- Reconvene as a large group.
- Have groups present their findings and propose strategies for addressing the identified biases.
- Discuss best practices for creating equitable and inclusive assessments, such as:
- Using clear and unbiased language
- Incorporating diverse perspectives
- Providing multiple pathways for students to demonstrate their understanding
- Establishing transparent and fair grading criteria

Part 4: Reflection and Application

- Ask participants to reflect on the activity and how they can apply the principles of social justice in their own assessment practices.
- Develop a list of action steps that participants can take to improve the equity and inclusion of their assessments.

Handouts:

- Key Principles of Social Justice in Education
- Examples of Biased and Unbiased Assessment Questions
- Strategies for Creating Equitable and Inclusive Assessments

Assessment:

- Participant engagement in discussions and activities
- Quality of group presentations and proposed strategies
- Written reflections on the application of social justice in assessment