How can I Implement a Formative Assessment System while Teaching in the Classroom?

In today’s classrooms, teachers can use various methods to determine student mastery of the subject. For instance, a teacher may survey the classroom to see by a show of hands which students got the answer correct. One of the primary purposes of a formative assessment is to guide instruction, therefore, real-time data in class is required to enable this.

Formative assessments are used to help students master the subject before they take a summative assessment (i.e. chapter test, unit exam, goal assessment, final exam,etc.). The goal is too help make every student show mastery.

Implementing a formative assessment system in a class should not be complicated. Keep it simple. The assessment should be designed to determine two simple questions:

• Does the student understand the material?
• If the student does not understand the material, what is he/she missing?

Make it simple and engaging.

A teacher can use a variety of instruments and strategies to implement a formative assessment. For instance:

• Short class surveys (students raising hands)
• Short 3 to 5 question multiple-choice assessments
• Flip boards (3 x 5 whiteboards) showing answer
• Clickers (if you have them)

Learn More… Take this course: Formative Assessment

Discuss Here: What are some methods in which you may use a formative assessment in your classroom?