OWENS, Kathie D.1, MCCONNELL, David A.2, and STEER, David N.2, (1) Curricular and Instructional Studies, The University of Akron, 132 Zook Hall, Akron, OH 44325-4205, kowens@uakron.edu, (2) Department of Geology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-4101

"Sure, I do assessment in my classes. I give a test at the end of the course and a few quizzes. Now I'm told this is not enough … " Assessment, evaluation, and testing all mean the same thing. Or do they? What is authentic assessment? What makes assessment authentic anyway? What types of assessment can I use to evaluate students' deep understanding of what I teach? Will changing my assessments increase my workload or the time I spend grading? Do I really have to learn how to write and use rubrics? What are rubrics anyway? Will all this assessment reform be worth the effort? You've heard the assessment buzzwords and the jargon. This session will introduce, simplify, and clarify terms and issues related to assessment. Examples of assessments used in geoscience classes will be given. This session sets the stage for talks and posters to follow in topical session T106.