Database of Formative Assessments

The teacher actively observes a student perform a task, demonstrate a skill, or create a product, and takes note on what the student is doing well and what the student could do to improve.  The teacher may decide to share their comments immediately during the observation, or save them for a cumulative review of the student.

A student is asked to perform a task, create a product, or demonstrate a skill.  While that is happening, the teacher observes the student and takes note of what is going well and what could be done to improve.  The teacher may decide to share their comments immediately during the observation, or save them for a cumulative review of the student.

The teacher may involve other students for a peer-evaluation.

Teachers can provide feedback both during and after the observation.  The student's performance may indicate if they are ready to move on to the next step/level.

Students can be involved in a peer-observation process to provide feedback both during and after the observation.

The teacher may design this process to generate a grade for the student's record, or simply as an opportunity to gain an understanding of a student's progress.  

The teacher may design the observation to have a reflective piece for the student to self-assess their performance.  Teachers can also design ways for students to provide feedback to each other during and after the observation.

Students can use what they have learned to influence a future performance.

Notes/feedback for traditional observations may be delivered verbally or written.  Computers may help organize feedback through the use of forms or documents.