Database of Formative Assessments

Students are asked to rate their understanding of a concept or skill from 0 to 5, with 5 being complete understanding.  They hold up a hand with the appropriate number of fingers extended.

A teacher finishes going over part of their lesson and asks the students to rate their understanding of that section from 0 to 5, with 5 being complete understanding.  Based on the class results the teacher can decide to re-teach/supplement the previous content, or continue with the lesson.

Teachers can use the feedback provided by the students to make a decision to re-teach/supplement the previously delivered content, or to continue on with the lesson.

Students may use their self-reflection to make note of a question/concern that they want to speak with the teacher about at a later time.

This type of assessment is generally used to influence the flow of a lesson.  If the overall consensus is one way or another the teacher can adjust their instruction as a whole group.  

If there are two or more distinct groups of students with similar understanding then the teacher may divide the class to differentiate the instruction.

This activity is a quick way for students to self-assess their understanding of a particular topic/concept.

This activity could be done with a poll or question online, but technology is not necessary.