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1. What are formative assessments?
Formative assessments are assessments used during the learning process. They are usually informal and measure students’ understanding, progress, and areas needing improvement. They are focused on learning and growth, not on the grade.

2. Why are formative assessments used?

Formative assessments are used to monitor and support student learning in real-time. They help teachers know how much students understood from what was taught in the classroom so teachers can use the information to adjust the lesson based on the findings.

Formative assessments are used to provide feedback to teachers about students’ understanding of the material. It helps teachers to know if their approach in the classroom is working and when new methods should be implemented so that students can improve their performance.

They also provide useful feedback to students so they can understand their strengths and weakness and use this information to progress towards the learning goals. They empower students to take ownership of their learning process and promote active engagement.

3. Examples of formative assessments.

Pop quizzes

Class discussions

Learning games

Exit tickets

Classroom polls

Self assessments

Peer assessments

Please access the following link for specific examples of formative assessments that can be used in the classroom: 14 Examples of Formative Assessment [+FAQs] – University of San Diego - Professional & Continuing Education

References:
Beard E. (2021, July 20). What is formative Assessment. http://www.nwea.org/blog/2021/what-is-formative-assessment/

Thomas L. (2019, April 26). 7 Smart, Fast Ways to Do Formative Assessment. http:// www.edutopia.org/article/7-smart-fast-ways-do-formative-assessment

Raw L. (2022, May 31). Quizzes as Formative Assessments. https:// blog.teamsatchel.com/quizzes-as-formative-assessment

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Formative Assessments: Why, When & Top 5 Examples

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1. What are summative assessments?
- Summative assessments are types of assessments that evaluate a student's long-term mastery and understanding of skills, core content, and/or learning standards at the end of a pre-determined span of educational time (like a unit, lesson, etc.).

- Summative assessments are typically graded numerically or using other criteria, which then play a major factor in a student's overall recorded scores and grade-point-average for a class.
(Though there are examples of summative assessments that may not be graded and/or factored into final grades)

- When designing summative assessments, it is important for instructors to make sure summative assessments have clear instructions, utilize an appropriate amount of time and assessment length, and that the content assessed in the summative is proportional to the amount of time and importance placed on the content during the lesson, unit, or learning period.

2. Why are summative assessments used?
- Summative assessments can assess a student's or class' long-term retention of target skills and content, especially when used for cumulative tests or exams at the end of a larger unit or even semester.

- The results of summative assessments can be used to assess an individual students' progress, ability, readiness over the course of the school year.

- The results of summative assessments can generate useful quantitative and qualitative data that can be used to reflect on and address the effectiveness of a lesson, course, or even school program.

- The results of summative assessments can also be used to identify why and in what subjects certain students may be struggling and/or how and in what subjects
students may feel unchallenged. As such, this data can better help a school determine which tracks and programs are most suitable to the growth and needs of specific students.

3. What are some examples of summative assessments?
- Tests/Exams
- Projects
- Essays/Writing
- Presentations
- Interviews
- Portfolios
***For those interested, links for designing or creating effective summatives in each of the provided examples are linked.

4. References:
BigOpen OnlineClasses. (2014, May 29). Creating effective portfolio assessment [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTClSU_md10&t=3s

Cook, J. (n.d.). What are summative assessments?. Study.com. Retrieved April 15, 2023 from https://study.com/academy/lesson/summative-assessments-examples-types-quiz.html

Formative and summative assessments. (n.d.). Yale: Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. Retrieved April 15, 2023 from https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/Formative-Summative-Assessments

Mezni, A. (2018, July 24). How to use summative writing in social studies. teachingideas4u. https://teachingideas4u.com/2018/07/how-to-use-summative-writing.html

Miller, A. (2018, November 8). 3 tips for using conversations for assessment. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/3-tips-using-conversations-assessment/

Saliskas, J. (2018). Creating project-based authentic summative assessments [Lecture Notes, PowerPoint Slides]. Rasmussen College. https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.guidebook.com/upload/125113/Ug3fJmnE6gUBwSd2X8Lcj3a1urxl9AesxuS7.pdf

Summative assessment. (2013, August 29). The Glossary of Education Reform. Retrieved April 15, 2023 from https://www.edglossary.org/summative-assessment/

Summative assessment in schools: definition, examples & ideas. (n.d.). Study.com. Retrieved April 15, 2023 from https://study.com/teach/summative-assessments.html

Teachings in Education. (2017, January 17). Summative assessment: overview & examples [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjnrI3ZO2tU

Terada, Y. (2021, October 15). How to design better tests, based on the research. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-design-better-tests-based-research/

Using assessed presentations. (2020, October 26). Learning and Teaching Hub at Bath. Retrieved April 15, 2023 from https://teachinghub.bath.ac.uk/the-bath-blend/essentials/assessed-presentations/

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Summative Assessment: Overview & Examples

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1. What are Performance Assessments?

Performance Assessment: An approach to educational assessment that requires students to directly demonstrate what they know and are able to do through open-ended tasks such as constructing an answer, producing a project, or performing an activity.

Performance assessments are evaluations that measure an individual's ability to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in a particular area of study. These types of assessments usually involve challenging tasks that encourage individuals to use their higher-order thinking skills in order to complete a process or create a product.

2. Why are Performance Assessments used?

Performance assessments are used to provide a more accurate and comprehensive picture of an individual's skills and knowledge, as opposed to more traditional assessments that rely heavily on standardized tests.

3. Examples of Performance Assessment:

Some examples of performance assessments include standardized assessments or norm-referenced assessments like the ACT, SAT, AP examinations, and IQ examinations. Additionally, performance assessments can also include tasks such as creating a product or completing a process that challenges an individual's higher-order thinking skills.

Portfolios: A collection of student work over time that demonstrates growth and development in a particular area or subject.

Presentations: A speech or demonstration of knowledge on a particular topic, which allows the student to showcase their communication and critical thinking skills.

Projects: A long-term assignment that requires students to apply knowledge and skills in a creative and innovative way, such as designing a website or creating a business plan.

Experiments: A hands-on activity that requires students to design, conduct, and analyze an experiment, which demonstrates their knowledge of the scientific method.

Performances: A demonstration of knowledge and skill in a particular area through a musical, dramatic, or artistic performance.

Debates: A structured argumentative discussion, which allows students to demonstrate their research and critical thinking skills.

Simulations: A role-playing activity that allows students to apply knowledge and skills in a real-worldcontext, such as a mock trial or business scenario.

Journals: A reflection on learning and personal growth, which allows students to demonstrate their ability to think critically and reflectively.

By using performance assessments in the classroom, teachers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their students' knowledge and skills, as well as provide students with opportunities to develop and apply their learning in meaningful ways.

4. References:

Chun, M. (2010, March). "Taking teaching to (performance) task: Linking pedagogical and assessment practices." Change: The Magazine of Higher Education.
https://jcsites.juniata.edu/faculty/kruse/misc/Chun_Change_TakingTeachingToTask.pdf

Darling-Hammond, L. & Adamson, F. (2013). Developing assessments of deeper learning: The costs and benefits of using tests that help students learn.
https://edpolicy.stanford.edu/library/publications/745

McTighe, J. (2015, April). "What is a performance task?"
https://blog.performancetask.com/what-is-a-performance-task-part-1-9fa0d99ead3b

Palm, T. (2008). "Performance assessment and authentic assessment: A conceptual analysis of the literature." Practical Assessment Research and Evaluation, 13(4).
http://pareonline.net/getvn.asp?v=13&n=4

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1. What is diagnostic assessment?
Diagnostic assessment is a type of evaluation used to identify specific learning needs, strengths, and weaknesses of an individual or a group of individuals. It is typically used in educational settings to determine the root cause of academic difficulties or to identify any learning disabilities or other special needs that a student may have. (Blog, 2021)

2. Why it is used?

Identifying learning difficulties: One of the primary reasons for using diagnostic assessment is to identify any learning difficulties or disabilities that an individual may have. This information can help educators develop appropriate interventions and support strategies to help the individual overcome their difficulties and succeed academically.

Evaluating progress: Diagnostic assessment can also be used to evaluate an individual's progress over time. By administering regular assessments, educators can track an individual's growth and adjust instruction accordingly to ensure that they are making progress toward their goals.

Informing instructional decisions: Diagnostic assessment results can help educators make informed decisions about instructional strategies and approaches. For example, if a student is struggling with reading comprehension, diagnostic assessment results may suggest that the student would benefit from additional support with vocabulary development or reading fluency.

Identifying strengths: Diagnostic assessment is not only useful for identifying areas of weakness, but it can also identify areas of strength. This information can help educators leverage an individual's strengths to support their learning and engagement in the classroom.

3. Examples of diagnostic assessment.

Surveys and questionnaires

Journals

Mindmaps

Posters

Interviews

Unit pretest

Checklist

Curriculum-based measurements

Impromptu quiz

Entry slips

Formal assessments

References:
Blog, F. (2021, October 28). Diagnostic Assessment in Education: Purpose, strategies, examples. Formplus. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from https://www.formpl.us/blog/diagnostic-assessment

Mathur, D. (2021, December 4). Diagnostic assessment: Meaning, examples, and types. Harappa. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from https://harappa.education/harappa-diaries/diagnostic-assessment/

YouTube. (2016, December 15). Diagnostic assessment: Examples & overview. YouTube. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-WEmsuvDsA

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Diagnostic Assessment: Examples & Overview

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Assessments For Learning

Assessments for Learning, or AfL, is a concept that assessments can provide useful feedback to students, which the teacher and student can then use to set goals and improve teaching/learning.

AfL is closely associated with formative assessments, particularly informal formative assessments, as both focus on assessing the student during the learning process.

AfL helps students correct or adjust mistakes or misunderstandings before the final summative assessment takes place.

AfL encourages students to take responsibility for and monitor their own learning, can develop increased confidence and independent for students in the learning process, and is seen as particularly helpful for students who are struggling with a class.

Assessments As Learning

Assessment as learning is an approach to assessment in education where students are actively involved in the assessment process, using assessment as a tool for learning rather than just as a measure of their understanding.

Assessment as learning involves a range of formative assessment practices, such as peer assessment, self-assessment, and teacher feedback, which help students to reflect on their learning and develop their own understanding. It is a student-centered approach that recognizes the importance of engaging students in their own learning and supporting them to take responsibility for their own progress.

Assessments Of Learning

Assessments of learning (AoL) is used to assess students' overall achievement. They are usually associated with summative assessments and occur at the end of a unit, course, or school year. They are formal and provide a summary of what students have learned and how much they master the content, skills and standards.

Assessments of learning are used to evaluate students' performance, assign grades, and provide feedback on student's overall achievement. They measure students' overall outcomes and determine if students are ready for higher level courses.

They provide evidence of student's achievements to the students themselves, educators, parents, administrators, and outside groups.

References:
Assessment for, as and of learning. (n.d.). NSW Education Standards Authority. Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/assessment/approaches

Dunn, D. (2015, December 23). Assessment for learning: confused?. Behance. https://www.behance.net/gallery/32320377/Assessment-for-learning-Confused-%28article%29

Getting started with assessment for learning. (n.d.). Cambridge International Education Teaching and Learning Team. Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://cambridge-community.org.uk/professional-development/gswafl/index.html

What is assessment as learning? enhancing teaching with data. CENTURY. (2021, April 19). Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://www.century.tech/news/what-is-assessment-as-learning-enhancing-teaching-with-data/