Formative assessment

Definition

Formative assessment is a method of evaluating student learning and understanding through ongoing feedback and interactions during the instructional process. It is designed to inform both educators and students about progress toward learning goals, allowing for adjustments to be made in teaching strategies or learning activities. This approach emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation in education, particularly in contexts that blend disciplines like STEM and the arts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Formative assessment is typically ongoing and can include quizzes, discussions, observations, and student reflections, providing real-time insights into student understanding.
2. This type of assessment helps teachers identify areas where students may be struggling, allowing for timely interventions to support learning.
3. In STEM and arts education, formative assessment can encourage creativity and problem-solving by giving students opportunities to explore concepts before formal evaluations.
4. Formative assessments often involve peer-assessment and self-assessment strategies, promoting a collaborative learning environment.
5. The primary goal of formative assessment is to enhance student learning by adjusting teaching methods based on the feedback received from assessments.

Review Questions

• How does formative assessment differ from summative assessment in terms of its purpose and application in an educational setting?
  • Formative assessment focuses on gathering ongoing feedback during the learning process, aiming to improve student understanding and inform instructional adjustments. In contrast, summative assessment evaluates student learning at the end of an instructional unit or period, measuring outcomes against set standards. This distinction highlights how formative assessments are more flexible and adaptive, facilitating immediate responses to student needs compared to the fixed nature of summative assessments.
• What role does feedback play in formative assessment, and how can it influence student engagement and motivation?
  • Feedback is a crucial component of formative assessment as it provides students with insights into their performance and areas needing improvement. When feedback is constructive and timely, it can enhance student engagement by making them aware of their progress and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning. This sense of agency can boost motivation as students see their efforts translating into tangible improvements.
• Evaluate the impact of incorporating formative assessments in STEM and arts education on student outcomes and creativity.
  • Incorporating formative assessments in STEM and arts education significantly enhances student outcomes by allowing for personalized feedback that encourages exploration and innovation. This approach fosters an environment where students feel safe to experiment with ideas without the fear of immediate judgment. As a result, students develop critical thinking skills and creative problem-solving abilities, leading to deeper engagement with the material and improved academic performance across both disciplines.

Related terms

summative assessment: Summative assessment refers to evaluations that occur at the end of an instructional period, measuring the extent of student learning against specific standards.

feedback: Feedback is information provided to students about their performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement to enhance learning.

learning objectives:

Learning objectives are specific goals that outline what students are expected to achieve by the end of an instructional activity or course.