To help our students learn better, the teachers keep searching for ways and methods. What is important is to use an approach that is always changing in order to measure what the students understand at different points of their learning progress, rather than only at the end. This is where formative assessment and feedback come into play.
Formative assessment occurs continuously, and it involves the collection data on student comprehension. It doesn't just revolve around exams but involves various techniques such as exit tickets, observations during group activities, and pop quizzes. Consequently, this information gives a picture of where students are currently in terms of classroom instructions thus providing opportunity for differentiation based on individual needs.
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When feedback is given alongside formative assessment appropriately, it becomes a driving force towards learning by learners. This implies that it's not about pointing out mistakes but rather giving direction about how one can reconcile his/her current position with future goals. Some advantages of a strong formative assessment and feedback loop are;
Boosts Student Engagement: Clear actionable feedback allows learners to see how they can improve their performance as well as deepen growth mind sets which ultimately make them more accountable for their own learning.
Promotes Deeper Understanding: Formative assessments enable educators to identify misconceptions before they become deeply entrenched in children's thinking patterns. In addition, targeted feedback helps teachers address these misunderstandings so as to create firm groundwork for subsequent studies.
Empowers Self-Reflection: Students who engage in self-evaluation or peer review grow cognitive skills through evaluation exercises involving their own strengths versus weaknesses. As a result, they learn how to take ownership of their personal educational experiences, thereby becoming independent thinkers and self-regulated students.
Read More: EMPOWERING STUDENT VOICE IN THE CLASSROOM: STRATEGIES FOR INCREASED PARTICIPATION
So, how do you put formative assessment and feedback into your classroom?
Variety is Key: Use different types of formative assessments like exit tickets, quick writes, lightning quizzes and peer grading. For example, free specimen books for teachers would be useful.
Focus on the "How" Rather than simply pointing out errors, feedback should concentrate on the processes. Instead of telling students what is wrong with their paper, we can ask questions that will lead them to determine how they can improve it.
Embrace the Power of "Yet": When a student struggles, use encouraging language that emphasizes growth. Rather than saying, "You don't get this," say, "You haven't mastered this concept yet, but you'll be able to do it after some practice."
Remember, formative assessment and feedback is ongoing conversations, not one-time events. By incorporating these practices in your daily teaching routine, you will be fully maximizing learning for your students while fostering a love for lifelong learning. And there are sample books for teachers that have more comprehensive discussions about such strategies and implementation ideas.
It's important to invest in your professional development as well. Take a look at free specimen books for teachers, where there are new techniques for formative assessment and ways of giving feedback. So empower yourself so that you may ultimately also empower your learners through formative assessment and feedback.
