WHY TEACHERS SHOULD CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING Formative Assessment

What is formative assessment? Ongoing assessments, reviews, and observations in a classroom Should be done in some way (often verbally or through observation) every 15 minutes Results should be used to modify or validate instruction

Why use formative assessments? Teaches students how to monitor their own learning Provides a model of good study skills- metacognition It helps correct misconceptions- lets the teacher know who knows what so instruction can be adjusted accordingly Is learning-focused instead of grade-focused Properly executed formative assessments lead to increased scores on summative assessments

What is a formative assessment not? Final exam State achievement test Formative Assessments Summative Assessments Purpose To improve instruction and provide feedback To measure student competency When is it given? OngoingThe end of a unit or course How students use results? To self-monitor understanding To gauge progress towards benchmarks or grade level goals How teachers use results? To check for understandingGrades, promotion

Four Types of Formative Assessments Summaries and Reflections Lists, Charts, and Graphic Organizers Visual Representations of Information Collaborative Activities

Types of formative assessment Summaries and Reflections Includes making sense of what was learned Connecting personally with material Requires content specific knowledge

Types of formative assessment Lists, Charts, and Graphic Organizers Organize information visually Make connections Recognize relationships between data

Types of formative assessment Visual Representations of Information Both words and pictures are used to increase memory Intended for visual learners (which many students are)

Types of formative assessment Collaborative Activities Often includes movement Involves communication Helps students show what they know

Keeping track of the data Each teacher must devise a method for tracking data that works for them One idea is to keep a checklist on a clipboard nearby and mark it off when a student shows understanding of a standard Formative assessments cannot help instruction unless they provide the teacher with data Remember that the objective of formative assessment is to modify or validate instruction