What Teachers Really Need To Know About Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is a type of assessment that is used to monitor student progress and provide feedback during the learning process. It is distinct from summative assessment, which is used to evaluate student learning at the end of a unit or course.

Formative assessment can take many different forms, such as:

• Quizzes
• Class discussions
• Homework assignments
• Projects
• Observations

The key feature of formative assessment is that it is used to provide feedback to students so that they can improve their learning. This feedback can be given in a variety of ways, such as:

What Teachers Really Need to Know About Formative Assessment

by Laura Greenstein

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• Written comments on assignments
• Verbal feedback during class discussions
• Individual conferences with students

There are many benefits to using formative assessment in the classroom. Some of the most important benefits include:

• It helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses. Formative assessment can help students to see what they are good at and what they need to improve on. This information can help students to focus their efforts on areas where they need the most help.
• It provides students with feedback on their progress. Feedback is essential for students to learn and grow. Formative assessment can provide students with feedback on their strengths and weaknesses, as well as on their overall progress. This feedback can help students to stay motivated and to make changes to their learning strategies as needed.
• It helps teachers to adjust their instruction. Formative assessment can help teachers to see what students are understanding and what they are not. This information can help teachers to adjust their instruction to meet the needs of their students.
• It can improve student achievement. Studies have shown that formative assessment can lead to improved student achievement. Students who receive regular formative assessment are more likely to succeed in school than students who do not.

There are many different ways to implement formative assessment in the classroom. Some of the most common methods include:

• Quizzes: Quizzes can be used to assess student understanding of a particular topic or skill. Quizzes can be short and informal, or they can be more formal and timed.
• Class discussions: Class discussions can be used to assess student understanding of a particular topic or skill. Class discussions can be led by the teacher or by students.
• Homework assignments: Homework assignments can be used to assess student understanding of a particular topic or skill. Homework assignments can be short and simple, or they can be more complex and time-consuming.
• Projects: Projects can be used to assess student understanding of a particular topic or skill. Projects can be individual or group projects.
• Observations: Observations can be used to assess student behavior, engagement, and learning. Observations can be informal or formal.

The best way to implement formative assessment is to choose methods that are appropriate for the learning objectives and the students in the class. It is also important to use formative assessment on a regular basis so that students can receive feedback on their progress throughout the learning process.

Formative assessment is an essential tool for teachers to track student progress and provide feedback. It can help students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, receive feedback on their progress, and adjust their learning strategies. Formative assessment can also help teachers to adjust their instruction to meet the needs of their students. When implemented effectively, formative assessment can lead to improved student achievement.

What Teachers Really Need to Know About Formative Assessment

by Laura Greenstein

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	616 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	195 pages

FREE