7 Effective Methods To Help Students Do Formative Assessments

22nd October 2024

Formative assessment is a critical part of effective teaching and learning, offering real-time insights into students' understanding and guiding instructional decisions. As teachers who have pursued teacher training courses, you know that, unlike summative assessments that evaluate what students know at the end of a unit, formative assessments are ongoing, dynamic, and designed to shape teaching and learning as it happens.

7 Smart Ways To Do Formative Assessments In The Classroom

Here are seven quick and effective strategies along with formative assessment examples to enhance learning outcomes while saving time:

1. Exit Tickets

Exit tickets are one of the simplest yet most effective tools for formative assessment. At the end of a lesson, give students a short prompt, question, or problem related to the day’s content. It could be as simple as asking them to summarize what they learned, pose a question they still have, or solve a problem that applies new knowledge.

Students complete them in a few minutes, and teachers can review them quickly. They provide immediate feedback on what students grasped and what they missed.

Example:

After a math lesson on fractions, ask students to explain in one sentence the difference between a proper and an improper fraction. This gives the teacher a snapshot of who understood the core concept and who needs further explanation.

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2. Think-Pair-Share

Think-Pair-Share is an active learning strategy where students first think about a question individually, then discuss it with a partner, and finally share their thoughts with the class. It works for all grade levels and subjects.

It engages all students as every student gets the chance to participate. Students explain concepts to each other, which can deepen understanding.

Example:

In a history class, after discussing a topic like the causes of the American Revolution, ask students to reflect individually on which cause they believe was most significant, discuss it with a partner, and then share their thoughts with the class.

3. Quizzes with Immediate Feedback

Online quizzes or apps allow you to administer short quizzes and get instant feedback. These platforms can automatically grade responses, making them efficient for teachers.

Students and teachers get results instantly, allowing for quick intervention if necessary. Many quiz platforms are gamified, making the process fun and interactive.

Example:

In a science class, after a unit on ecosystems, create a quick five-question quiz on key concepts like food chains, energy flow, and habitats. Students can see their results immediately, and you can identify which topics need review.

4. One-Minute Papers

The one-minute paper is a fast and effective way to gauge student understanding. At the end of a lesson, ask students to write down their answers to a question such as ‘What was the most important thing you learned today?’ or ‘What question do you still have about today’s topic?’

It only requires a minute or two for students to complete. The simplicity of the exercise allows students to reflect on their learning and identify gaps.

Example:

At the end of an English lesson on literary devices, ask students to write down which device they found most confusing and why. This gives the teacher insight into what needs further clarification.

5. Four Corners

This strategy involves asking students a question or giving them a prompt with four possible answers. Students move to the corner of the room that corresponds with their choice. Each group then discusses why they chose that answer, and representatives from each corner share their reasoning with the class.

It gets students out of their seats, which can boost engagement and energy. It encourages critical thinking and dialogue among peers.

Example:

In a health class discussing nutrition, ask students to go to one of four corners based on which macronutrient (carbohydrates, protein, fats, or vitamins) they think is most important for health. Students discuss their choices in groups before a class-wide discussion.

6. Concept Mapping

Concept mapping is a visual tool where students create diagrams that show relationships between concepts. It helps them organize and integrate knowledge, making it easier to identify gaps in understanding.

Concept mapping requires students to organize their thoughts and show how ideas connect. It works for any subject and can be used for both individual and group work.

Example:

In a biology class, after a lesson on cell structures, have students create a concept map linking the nucleus, mitochondria, cell membrane, and other organelles, showing how they work together in the cell.

7. Quick Write

A quick write is a timed, informal writing task where students respond to a prompt related to the lesson. It helps them articulate their thoughts without the pressure of producing a polished product. Quick writes can also double as exit tickets or warm-up activities.

Since it’s informal, students are less likely to feel anxious about their answers. It works in a wide range of subjects and grade levels.

Example:

In a social studies class, after discussing the impact of globalization, ask students to write for three minutes about how globalization has affected their daily lives. Review their responses to assess their understanding of the topic.

Bottom Line

Formative assessments are essential for creating responsive learning environments where teachers can quickly adapt instruction to meet students' needs. By using these tools, teachers with online teacher training courses can foster a more interactive, engaging, and personalized classroom experience that supports student growth and success.

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