Formative and Observation-Based Assessments

Formative assessments help me to decide whether I should re-teach the material or move forward. Commonly, formative assessments are used to change a teaching method depending on the circumstances, such as the degree of confusion in class regarding the subject matter (Teachings in Education, 2016). For instance, a ‘hand signal one-to-five’ helps determine my teaching quality by having students rate their understanding by putting up one finger when a student is lost and five to indicate having mastered the material (Teachings in Education, 2016). Another method called an ‘exit ticket’ entails me asking the students to write down a quick answer to an essential question before leaving class (Teachings in Education, 2016). The assignment is quick and ultimately best for assessing students’ understanding of my lesson’s overall objective. Lastly, the ‘individual whiteboards’ assessment allows students to write and synchronously share their answers to my question (Teachings in Education, 2016). I believe that this method is effective because I can walk through and instantly correct any wrong or incomplete answers, simultaneously assessing and re-teaching students.

I believe that the formative assessments should be further integrated with my teaching process, taking place during the lesson rather than post-factum. This simultaneous conduct helps promptly address any confusion, knowledge gaps, or misunderstandings that a child may have. Moreover, it creates an atmosphere of trust and open communication, where students know that they are allowed and encouraged to ask me relevant questions. Various formative assessments have been applicable in different circumstances for me, and I believe they are vital to my educational process. I could utilize these methods in the future to create a more natural exchange of thoughts and ideas between myself and students.

I employ methods like an observation-based child assessment (COR) to focus on children’s holistic development. In addition to academic assessment, COR includes making the learning processes more integrative, facilitating children’s social, emotional, and physical development, and encouraging communication and literacy (HighScope, 2018). Assessing a child’s success holistically helps me address the gaps in teaching and environmental needs that may otherwise be overlooked. I believe that the COR method is highly effective, and I could apply it in my future teaching processes. For instance, evaluating key developmental indicators in a child’s physical or emotional health will alarm me about environmental factors potentially impacting a child’s performance. Thus, my educational process will shift from prescriptive to attentive.

References

HighScope Educational Research Foundation. (2018). COR Advantage. HighScope. Web.

Teachings in Education. (2016). Formative Assessments: Why, When & Top 5 Examples [Video]. YouTube. Web.