FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS
I formatively assess my students' understanding every single lesson, whether it be through observation, discussion, written notes, reading their writing, asking inquiry questions, or exit slips. Formative assessment is incredibly important because it informs my own teaching, and it informs students of what they know and what they need to know. I believe that students as young as DIV one can begin to formatively assess their own understanding, and with teacher guidance make informed decisions of where to go next in their learning.
As important as it is for me to formatively assess my students, I believe that it is equally important for my students to have timely feedback based on my assessments so they can begin to make necessary changes (if need be).
Examples of formative assessments I have used in DIV 1 and DIV 2:
I formatively assess my students' understanding every single lesson, whether it be through observation, discussion, written notes, reading their writing, asking inquiry questions, or exit slips. Formative assessment is incredibly important because it informs my own teaching, and it informs students of what they know and what they need to know. I believe that students as young as DIV one can begin to formatively assess their own understanding, and with teacher guidance make informed decisions of where to go next in their learning.
As important as it is for me to formatively assess my students, I believe that it is equally important for my students to have timely feedback based on my assessments so they can begin to make necessary changes (if need be).
Examples of formative assessments I have used in DIV 1 and DIV 2:
- Self-assessment checklists (or "success checklists")
- Thumbs-up or thumbs-down
- Raise your hand if ____
- White board answers
- Having students repeat back my instructions (multiple times)
- Having students demonstrate expectations
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS
Personally, I am a HUGE rubric fan. I find rubrics not only keep me fair and consistent, they provide a lot of information both to my students, and to their parents. Often, I will share the rubrics that I will be using to assess students work with students beforehand so they have a clear understanding of expectations. Then, once I have assessed their work and filled out the rubrics, I indicate on the rubric where the students is doing well, and where there is room for improvement. The rubrics provide a more detailed insight into students strengths and weaknesses to students and parents.
Examples of rubrics used for DIV 1:
Additionally, I also sometimes administer quizzes or tests to students (usually worth far less than performance tasks and projects).
Personally, I am a HUGE rubric fan. I find rubrics not only keep me fair and consistent, they provide a lot of information both to my students, and to their parents. Often, I will share the rubrics that I will be using to assess students work with students beforehand so they have a clear understanding of expectations. Then, once I have assessed their work and filled out the rubrics, I indicate on the rubric where the students is doing well, and where there is room for improvement. The rubrics provide a more detailed insight into students strengths and weaknesses to students and parents.
Examples of rubrics used for DIV 1:
- Breaking down Language Arts components of DIV 1 Report Card
- Short Story Rubric
- Biography Lapbook Rubric
Additionally, I also sometimes administer quizzes or tests to students (usually worth far less than performance tasks and projects).