About Assessment: Reshan Richards at TEDxNYED

Richards believes there's a misguided effort to control learning, from defining it to how it's measured. He describes learning as a 'giant mess of stuff' that happens constantly throughout life. He highlights the common mistake of confusing grades with assessment, arguing that reducing complex learning to a single letter or number is a mistake. He also critiques the over-reliance on data points and technology in formative assessment, suggesting it impersonalizes the learning process.

Richards recalls his time as a math teacher, where he consistently told students that assessment was an ongoing process, happening 'right now, every moment.' He emphasizes the importance of informal interactions and observations in understanding a student's learning journey, advocating for educational technology that strengthens relationships between teachers and learners rather than depersonalizing them.

Richards shares examples of 'awesome' learning experiences that arise from open-ended tools and environments. He cites a student building a functional fire station in Minecraft, the Game of Thrones world recreated in Minecraft, and a toaster set on fire by students trying to make grilled cheese. These examples illustrate how learners push boundaries and innovate when given flexible tools, defying pre-set expectations and demonstrating learning that cannot be easily graded.

Inspired by these observations, Richards sought tools that supported open-ended learning. He started a blog, and a single, unpopular post led to an unexpected partnership with developers in Poland, resulting in the creation of an app. He describes the app as a neutral tool designed to foster informal conversations and strengthen relationships, allowing users to interpret and utilize it in their own ways.

Richards shares a video created by a young boy using an app he co-developed. The video, a journey through the solar system, demonstrates the boy's creative and unique use of the tool, surprising Richards with its ingenuity. This example reinforces his core message: don't try to control the learning experience; instead, provide guidance and support, allowing learning to happen organically.