Rationale

Educational Shift - Formative Assessment

A significant shift in the understanding of assessment comes from Bloom et al. (1971) in which they identified the most well-understood definition of formative assessment as we know it today, claiming that "the terms applied not to the assessments themselves, but to the functions they served" (as cited in Black & William, 1996, p. 538).

Utilizing technology, particularly Plickers, as a tool for formative assessment not only enables efficient data collection but also strengthens educators' capacity to reflect on the progress of a specific lesson. This prompts teachers to adapt or differentiate their instruction based on individual needs.

(Education Scotland, 2016)

“Formative assessment aims to generate timely information that teachers can use to shape instruction, help students understand concepts and reinforce learning content, and inform subsequent coursework. Moreover, formative assessment is an adaptive process centered on individualized support and constructive feedback.

With formative assessment, the focus is on supporting the students’ progress towards achieving learning goals, and that is why it is sometimes referred to as ‘assessment for learning’”

(Khurana et al., 2022, p. 11)

The one drawback in collecting formative assessment data is of course, "the difficulty of collecting learning interaction data and outcomes, and also the analysis of formative feedback and assessment" (Paiva et al., 2020, p. 272).

Teachers and educational institutions are recognizing the advantages and opportunities offered by digital technologies. These technologies provide shorter feedback loops, alleviate teacher workload and time limitations, enable quick data gathering, promote personalized learning, and enhance 21st-century competencies and digital skills. One notable example is the implementation of personalized response systems in classrooms. This allows students to respond to formative assessment questions, receive instant feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions about the content with their teachers.

(Paiva et al., 2020, p. 277)

What Tools Do You Use for Formative Assessment?

Benefits of Using Plickers as Formative Assessment

Free and Paid Options Available for Educators

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Quick and Simple Data Collection

Reports provide a visual summation of student results based on a Set

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Low-Tech Option

Students are able to engage with this assessment without the use of a one-to-one device or even a pencil

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Privacy - Educators

Teacher's personal information is not shared in addition to having various opt-out options.

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Privacy - Students

Student information is not required to use the tool

Students answers also remain anonymous to everyone except the teacher

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Ease of Use for Students and Educators

Plicker's robust system allows for ease for both the educator planning and the student engaging with the content

Accessibility

Plicker Cards come in larger font sizes and additional modifications can be made for those with visual or auditory impairments.

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Remote Learning

Plickers are not limited to just in-person learning.

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Plickers Support

Plicker's online presence includes How-To Guides, information on how to get started in addition to much more.