You are here Show Assessment allows both instructor and student to monitor progress towards achieving learning objectives, and can be approached in a
variety of ways. Formative assessment refers to tools that identify misconceptions, struggles, and learning gaps along the way and assess how to close those gaps. It includes effective tools for helping to shape learning, and can even bolster students’ abilities to take ownership of their learning when they understand that the goal is to improve learning, not apply final marks (Trumbull and Lash, 2013). It can include students assessing themselves, peers, or even the instructor,
through writing, quizzes, conversation, and more. In short, formative assessment occurs throughout a class or course, and seeks to improve student achievement of learning objectives through approaches that can support specific student needs (Theal and Franklin, 2010, p. 151). In contrast, summative assessments evaluate student learning, knowledge, proficiency, or success at the conclusion of an instructional period, like a unit, course, or program. Summative
assessments are almost always formally graded and often heavily weighted (though they do not need to be). Summative assessment can be used to great effect in conjunction and alignment with formative assessment, and instructors can consider a variety of ways to combine these approaches. Both forms of assessment can vary across several dimensions (Trumbull and Lash, 2013): Formative Assessment Ideally, formative assessment strategies improve teaching and learning simultaneously. Instructors can help students grow as learners by actively encouraging them to self-assess their own skills and knowledge retention, and by giving clear
instructions and feedback. Seven principles (adapted from Nicol and Macfarlane-Dick, 2007 with additions) can guide instructor strategies:
Instructors can find a variety of other formative assessment techniques through Angelo and Cross (1993), Classroom Assessment Techniques (list of techniques available here). Summative Assessment Because summative assessments are usually higher-stakes than formative assessments, it is especially important to ensure that the assessment aligns with the goals and expected outcomes of the instruction.
Considerations for Online AssessmentsEffectively implementing assessments in an online teaching environment can be particularly challenging. The Poorvu Center shares these recommendations. ReferencesNicol, D.J. and Macfarlane-Dick, D. (2006) Formative assessment and self‐regulated learning: a model and seven principles of good feedback practice. Studies in Higher Education 31(2): 2-19. Theall, M. and Franklin J.L. (2010). Assessing Teaching Practices and Effectiveness for Formative Purposes. In: A Guide to Faculty Development. KJ Gillespie and DL Robertson (Eds). Jossey Bass: San Francisco, CA. Trumbull, E., & Lash, A. (2013). Understanding formative assessment: Insights from learning theory and measurement theory. San Francisco: WestEd. Considerations for Online AssessmentsWhat are the benefits of using formative assessment?Feedback and Formative Assessment Tools. Makes learning barriers visible to the instructor.. Provides evidence of students current level of performance.. Allows the instructor to adjust their level of instruction to fit with the students' current level of learning.. Is weekly quizzes a formative assessment?Quizzes are a formative way of assessment. Summative assessment is better to test with an exam, because you're testing what students have learned during the entire instruction. Formative assessment measures small parts of the instruction and quizzes are a good way to test that.
Why is formative assessment important Quizizz?What makes formative assessment formative? It provides end of instruction feedback to measure the attainment of content knowledge. It is immediately used to make adjustments so as to form new learning.
What are the benefits of doing quizzes?Quizzes are good for revision
Pre-test quizzes can help pupils revise without even realising they are doing it. And a quiz is a good way for a pupil to identify and take ownership of their knowledge gaps. It's also a great way to help them to plug the gaps to boost their confidence when it comes to formal testing.
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