Formative assessments evaluate learning growth to track a student's progress and understanding throughout the lesson. Unlike summative assessments, which happen at the end of a unit, formative assessments give feedback to the educator throughout the unit. They can be given in several ways, including quizzes, discussions, informal questioning, etc.
Formative assessments are an excellent way for teachers to identify students' strengths and weaknesses while allowing time for immediate adjustments to teaching strategies and material to address the weaknesses. This type of assessment allows personalized approaches that specifically help the areas of weakness.
Formative assessments are also a great way to engage students along the way in the learning process by giving opportunities for self-assessment and reflection. Peer reviews, self-assessments, and constructive feedback are all examples of ways that students can reflect on their performances through formative assessment. Students can foster a sense of ownership and accountability with their peers by motivating each other and participating in formative assessments.
Formative assessments also promote a supportive environment in the classroom and show that mistakes are an opportunity for growth rather than failures. By showing that the process is just as important as the final outcome, students may feel less anxiety and frustration while studying for an exam or test at the end of the unit.
In conclusion, I see myself using Quizziz and other tools for formative assessment frequently in my classroom one day. Formative assessment, specifically for special education, is a great aspect of education that can show student growth and keep them on track with the curriculum. While exams and extensive tests are not always the best options in a special education classroom, formative assessment is a great way to assess the student's learning growth. I enjoyed learning about formative assessment and how it can tailor instruction, monitor progress, provide immediate feedback, and much more, which will impact my classroom.
Formative assessment is connected to several aspects of the Danielson framework. Domain 3: Instruction is the most vivid connection.
Formative assessments connect to aspect 3B: Questioning and Discussion Techniques by involving questioning techniques that grasp the students' understanding. This can help teachers assess students' knowledge, identify weaknesses, and adjust instruction.
Formative assessment also connects to aspect 3c: Engagement by making learning fun and engaging for students through games. This also offers opportunities for active participation, feedback, and reflection.
3e: Demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness is also related to formative assessments, which allow teachers to be flexible and responsive to students' needs. Teachers can adapt their instruction based on data to help students progress toward their goals.