8-1 Formative Assessments
Key Concepts
Formative assessments are tools used by teachers to monitor student learning during the instructional process. Key concepts include ongoing evaluation, feedback, and instructional adjustments.
1. Ongoing Evaluation
Ongoing evaluation involves regularly checking student progress to ensure they are understanding the material. This helps in identifying areas where students may need additional support or clarification.
2. Feedback
Feedback is information provided to students about their performance. This can be verbal, written, or demonstrated through activities. Effective feedback helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Instructional Adjustments
Instructional adjustments are changes made to the teaching strategy based on the results of formative assessments. These adjustments ensure that the instruction meets the needs of all students.
Detailed Explanation
Ongoing Evaluation
Ongoing evaluation is like checking a map while traveling. Just as you check your map to ensure you are on the right path, teachers check student progress to ensure they are on the right learning path. For example, a teacher might ask students to explain a concept they just learned to see if they understand it.
Feedback
Feedback is like a coach giving advice during a game. Just as a coach provides tips to improve performance, teachers provide feedback to help students improve their learning. For example, a teacher might say, "Great job on your story! Next time, try adding more details to make it even better."
Instructional Adjustments
Instructional adjustments are like changing lanes on a highway. Just as you change lanes to avoid traffic, teachers change their teaching strategies to avoid learning obstacles. For example, if a teacher notices many students are struggling with a concept, they might use a different teaching method to explain it.
Examples and Analogies
Example 1: Ongoing Evaluation
Activity: "Show and Tell"
Explanation: During a "Show and Tell" session, students share what they have learned about a topic. The teacher listens and observes to gauge understanding and identify any misconceptions.
Example 2: Feedback
Activity: "Peer Review"
Explanation: Students exchange their writing assignments with a partner. The partner provides feedback on the strengths and areas for improvement in the writing. This helps both students learn from each other.
Example 3: Instructional Adjustments
Activity: "Differentiated Instruction"
Explanation: After a formative assessment, the teacher realizes that some students need more practice with a particular skill. The teacher provides additional exercises or uses a different teaching approach to help these students grasp the concept.
Analogy: Ongoing Evaluation as a GPS
Think of ongoing evaluation as a GPS. Just as a GPS regularly updates your location to ensure you are on the right route, ongoing evaluation regularly checks student progress to ensure they are on the right learning path.
Analogy: Feedback as a Coach
Think of feedback as a coach. Just as a coach provides guidance and encouragement to improve performance, feedback provides guidance and encouragement to improve learning.
Analogy: Instructional Adjustments as Changing Lanes
Think of instructional adjustments as changing lanes on a highway. Just as changing lanes helps you avoid traffic, instructional adjustments help teachers avoid learning obstacles and ensure all students can progress.