Database of Formative Assessments

An informal check for understanding normally done near the end of a class period or lesson.  Students summarize a big idea from the lesson on one side of the card.  Students write a question they still have, or one they would expect to see on a test, about the topic discussed during the lesson on the other side of the card.

Have students write an analogy prompt such as:
This concept/principle/process is like __________ because __________.

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.

Calling on students to gauge their level of understanding.  Can be done at the start of a lesson to ask if they remember material that was previously taught, during the lesson to see if they are understanding the material being delivered, or after the lesson as a sort of exit event.

Explain to students that they will (1) think individually about a topic or answer to a question;(2) pair with a partner and discuss the topic or question; and (3) share ideas with the rest of the class.

A quiz or class survey delivered through Google Forms.  Can be linked to Google Classroom, Moodle, or a similar platform.  The responses can be viewed in a spreadsheet.

*NOTE* Google Forms is approved for classroom use with student information.  Be safe when it comes to using add-ons like Flubaroo.  These add-on tools are not on the district approved list, and most likely breach student data confidentiality (FGA) when it comes to managing student information.  Automated grading is a feature of Moodle, which is a tool on the district approved list.

An assessment designed to give the students supervised practical application of a skill/concept previously covered in the class.  The students apply their knowledge of the content to solve problems, use a skill to perform a task, or design a model.  

A single question, usually open-ended, posted on Google Classroom (Moodle can do this too).  This is used as a quick check for understanding, possibly to see if material covered during a previous lesson was understood.  Students can respond to the question, and the teacher can use the responses to facilitate a class discussion.

A combination of question types designed in a way to assess student knowledge of a concept/topic.  Traditionally done with paper and pencil, the teacher uses these results to determine if the students are ready for a summative assessment.

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.