Quick Summary
Formative Assessment has been defined as
"the frequent, interactive checking of student progress and understanding in order to identify learning needs and adjust teaching appropriately."
Formative Assessment has been defined as
"the frequent, interactive checking of student progress and understanding in order to identify learning needs and adjust teaching appropriately."
T Finley. (2014, July 30). Dipsticks: Efficient Ways to Check for Understanding. [Back to School Blog].
Alternatively, summative assessment is the activity of measuring a student's learning according to a benchmark. What's particularly useful about integrating formative assessment techniques into your teaching is that it gives you more immediate feedback on the students' progress and your effectiveness. Gathering this type of assessment gives you an opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to increase the students' understanding. I have found it helpful to learn new formative assessment ideas to try.
Here's a list to consider found on Edutopia's 10 Fun-Filled Formative Assessment Ideas. Perhaps you have already tried some of these!
- Intrigue Journal
- Twitter Post
- Advertisement
- Summary Poem Activity
- Compare & Contrast
- Opinion Chart
- Bio Poem
- Exit Slip
- Misconception Check
- Top Ten List
To learn more about these ideas check out 10 Fun-Filled Formative Assessment Ideas.
And if you feel like digging a little deeper, read Todd Finley's post on Edutopia's Back to School blog, Dipsticks: Efficient Ways to Check for Understanding. At the end of that blog post don't miss the 53 Ways to Check for Understanding.
What formative assessment techniques have you tried, or which ones have worked well for you? Please share your thoughts below.