Assessment for learning, or formative assessment, is a key component of effective teaching. It actively involves students in their own learning and provides feedback that can be used to guide instruction and inform learning plans.
Formative assessment includes activities such as observations, questioning, progress checks, and other strategies that allow a teacher to evaluate student understanding and provide feedback that can be used to inform instruction. It’s important to note that assessment for learning should occur frequently and throughout the learning process.
When thinking about how to use assessment for learning in your classroom, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Utilise a range of assessment techniques, such as observations, questionnaires, quizzes, and written reflections.
2. Use assessment to provide feedback rather than judge or rate a student’s work.
3. Give clear instructions on the objectives and expectations of the task.
4. Provide timely and specific feedback to help students understand their progress and areas for improvement.
5. Compare student performance against an explicit standard or benchmark so they have a concrete goal to work towards.
6. Ensure that assessment does not become ‘just another test’, but is instead used to inform instruction.
7. Help students to understand the learning process by providing resources and support when needed.
By utilising these approaches, assessment for learning can become an integral part of your teaching, allowing you to assess student progress and provide meaningful feedback that can lead to improved student outcomes.
Formative assessment includes activities such as observations, questioning, progress checks, and other strategies that allow a teacher to evaluate student understanding and provide feedback that can be used to inform instruction. It’s important to note that assessment for learning should occur frequently and throughout the learning process.
When thinking about how to use assessment for learning in your classroom, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Utilise a range of assessment techniques, such as observations, questionnaires, quizzes, and written reflections.
2. Use assessment to provide feedback rather than judge or rate a student’s work.
3. Give clear instructions on the objectives and expectations of the task.
4. Provide timely and specific feedback to help students understand their progress and areas for improvement.
5. Compare student performance against an explicit standard or benchmark so they have a concrete goal to work towards.
6. Ensure that assessment does not become ‘just another test’, but is instead used to inform instruction.
7. Help students to understand the learning process by providing resources and support when needed.
By utilising these approaches, assessment for learning can become an integral part of your teaching, allowing you to assess student progress and provide meaningful feedback that can lead to improved student outcomes.