What is the best appraisal system that can be used for Preschoolers?

Question

I am so much interested of knowing what is the best or appropriate appraisal system to be used in the PRESCHOOLERS. I heard about "non-graded" and "graded" system. But really I'm confused which is best between the two. Can somebody give me an outright explanation and advantages/disadvantages of the two system.? I would appreciate all your responses. Thank you in advance. God bless.

Answer 1

I vote for Non-graded in Preschool.  The whole idea is fine motor at that age.  We don't grade toddlers when they fall.

Answer 2

Are we talking about child development checklists?

If so, try to focus on strengths, i.e. what the child can do rather than what he/she can not. This approach is better because it looks at the child as capable and able. I guess that would be graded, so you can look at skills as 'emerging' (i.e they can't do it yet), 'sometimes', 'often', 'never' etc.

Otherwise, it would be just 'can' or 'can't' and that just doesn't take into account individuality, and the differences in child development.

It also looks at the child in terms of deficit if they can't do something.

Answer 3

You don't want to give grades to young children.  In preschool they are gaining basic knowledge (such as recognizing numbers and counting, identifying colors and shapes, identifying his name), fine and gross motor skills, self-help skills, and socialization.  You can't very well put a grade on those things.

You should make a list of all the appropriate skills and indicate the child's competence in each area, such as:

N = not yet introduced

E = emergent (beginning to learn but not yet competent)

P = progressing, and

C = competent