Formative Assessment is also known as Assessment for Learning and Short Cycle Assessment. According to Dylan Wiliam, these types of assessments are the most effective way to increase learning and achievement. This type of assessment gives the teacher necessary information about the level of understanding students possess during the lesson or unit. Both students and teachers benefit because they find out where the problems are before the final assessment!
If you are interested in assessments that really impact learning...give yourself (and maybe your principal) a present--a copy of Ahead of the Curve: The Power of Assessment to Transform Teaching and Learning, Douglas Reeves, editor.
-One sentence summaries: “Everyone grab a marker and write a one sentence summary of what we have just read.” Two minutes later have students hold paper up over their head so everyone can see. The teacher gets a quick view of level of understanding and all students see the main point restated in a variety of ways. Possible idea: invest in a couple of rolls of cash register tape--you can snip it off easily for students to use for sentences. # 1 Factors are the numbers we multiply to get another number.
# 2 Two minute summary: a one or two minute quick write Write all you can remember about photosynthesis Make a list of every Spanish word you know List the parts of a science lab report Create 5 algebraic expressions The above examples are all recall. Use verbs like diagram, organize, compare, contrast, categorize, prioritize, rate, or select to craft 2 minute summaries that require a higher level of thinking: Categorize these 8 animals as vertebrates or invertebrates. List all the ways fractions and decimals are similar.
# 3 Exit Slip, Ticket Out the Door, or Passport: Last five minutes of class, ask students to summarize the learning for the day. Examples: a) 3-2-1 Write - 3 facts about Thomas Jefferson - 2 controversies between the Federalists and Democratic - Republicans -1 similarity between this era and our own b) Solve this problem Reverse the process and call them Entrance Slips--start the class with them.
# 4 Hinge Questions (Dylan Wiliam) They are used halfway way through lesson. Students need to be able to answer them within 2 minutes. Hinge Questions focus on important concepts and require an answer that demonstrates understanding, not just recall. Teachers should be able to process the student answers within 30 seconds. 2 Ways to Incorporate Hinge Questions ABCD cards: (Dylan Wiliam): each student has a packet of ABCD cards. The teacher puts a problem or hinge question on the overhead/LCD projector with four possible responses--A, B, C, or D. Students hold up their card(s) to share their response. Needless to say, this strategy provides a wonderful opportunity for the teacher to further check for understanding or misconceptions by asking students to explain why they chose a particular answer. A B C D Mini-white boards: each student has a mini-white board to use for a response. The teacher asks a hinge question, students respond on their white boards and hold up their answers while the teacher visually sweeps the room checking answers.
# 5 Traffic light (Dylan Wiliam): Students receive red, yellow, and green dots. When they peer edit or assess, they use the green dots to indicate which parts of the piece are meeting the standards described in the rubric, yellow dots to show which parts are close but still need some work, and red ones to mark those sections which areas do not meet standards. Students also jot down or share suggestions for improvement. The teacher can also use this system. Students receive feedback so they know what next steps to take before the final grading process occurs.
Bonus! Small group brain drain: If the class is sitting in table groups, have chart paper and markers at each table. After a reading or reading/ discussion, ask each group to list everything they can recall and underline the three most important ideas or facts. Remember to ask them to reflect on WHY they think something is important! Jill Spencer Learning Capacity Unlimited spencerj51@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9fLcU0hiPY&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
No comments:
Post a Comment