Definition:
This involves providing instruction or feedback during the lesson rather than at the end (summative) of a lesson or series of lessons. As Bob Stake noted, when the cook tastes the soup, it is formative evaluation; when the guests taste the soup, it is summative evaluation.
Formative assessments can help identify and address learning gaps as learning progresses. Formative assessment is a continuous process by which students and teachers work together to meet learning objectives. Class discussions and questioning strategies, classwork, quizzes, peer review, and much more can all be examples of good formative assessment.
Watch this video to learn more about the difference between formative and summative assessment methods. In another video you can learn from teachers who describe their experience with formative evaluation.
Diagnosing learning gaps doesn’t have to be a boring test. Look for quick, easy, and — most importantly — fun ways to see where your students are up to. Here’s a few ideas:
Have your students draw what they understand about a topic or concept
Play icebreaking games that test students’ knowledge
Use a writing game for a quick snapshot of students’ writing, spelling, handwriting and language conventions
Use interactive quizzes to spark memories of past learning and keep an eye out for gaps in knowledge or confidence
Have students create videos with 10 facts every student should know about …
It’s important to let your students know that there’s no pressure, that it’s not a graded test; it’s just to see what they know.