Assessing learning in the classroom

Assessing Learning in the Classroom

A way of obtaining clear feedback about the extent to which the daily learning objectives are being met.

Formative assessments are no- or low-stakes check-ins that happen along the way to graded tests/papers (i.e., summative assessments).

Providing opportunities for students to demonstrate competency and/or explore limits of knowledge. These can:

• Be planned, discrete events (e.g., no-stakes quiz, muddiest point, minute paper, directed paraphrasing, blind poll).
  
• Arise spontaneously (e.g., posing questions, listening to student questions and comments, monitoring body language).

• Creates a feedback loop. By assessing what, how much, and how well students are learning, you can better gauge how to adapt your teaching to meet the needs of your students.
  
• Provide students opportunities to practice and demonstrate proficiency.
  
• Allows students to receive incremental feedback, which encourages students to assess their own learning and mastery of material.