II. Constructivist Learning and Its Implications for Assessment
C. Implications of constructivist learning for assessment
3) Formative assessment
3) Formative assessment
Formative assessment is a method used by educators to evaluate student comprehension and progress during a lesson or course. It focuses on shaping the learning experience in real-time based on immediate feedback. Key strategies of formative assessment include providing constructive feedback, promoting peer assessment, encouraging self-assessment, and using exit tickets to gauge understanding and inform future lessons.
BASIC Information
Formative assessment refers to the variety of methods educators use to evaluate student comprehension, learning needs, and academic progress during a lesson, unit, or course.
It's about "forming" or shaping the learning experience in real-time, based on immediate feedback.
Rooted in constructivist theory, it prioritizes ongoing interactions and adjustments to support and enhance the learning process.
READ
Assessing Diagnostic Reasoning Using a Standardized Case-Based DiscussionVIDEO
Zzish: Formative Assessment Gamification in the ClassroomVIDEO
Principles and Practices of Formative AssessmentINTERMEDIATE Information
Purpose: Primarily used to inform instruction and provide feedback to students, rather than to grade.
READ
Formative Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) as an Assessment Tool in UK Undergraduate Medical Education: A Review of Its UtilityImmediate: Takes place during the learning process, enabling quick adjustments.
Interactive: Encourages continuous communication between students and teachers.
Adaptive: Helps educators tailor instruction based on individual or class needs.
VIDEO
Zzish and QuizalizeREAD
Beyond “formative”: assessments to enrich student learningADVANCED Information
Feedback-driven: Constructive feedback helps students understand areas of strength and where they need to improve.
Peer Assessment: Students review each other's work, promoting a deeper understanding and fostering collaboration.
Self-assessment: Enables students to reflect on their own learning, enhancing metacognitive skills.
Exit Tickets: Quick post-lesson evaluations that gauge understanding and inform the next lesson's focus.
READ
Students’ Perception of Formative Assessment as an Instructional Tool in Competency-Based Medical Education: Proposal for a Proof-of-Concept StudyTailored Learning: Provides insights for differentiated instruction, meeting varied student needs.
Increased Engagement: When students see their feedback being acted upon, they're more likely to engage.
Building Metacognition: Helps students think about their thinking, deepening learning.
READ
Does an Objective Structured Clinical Examination Fit Your Assessment Toolbox?Requires frequent checks and a keen sense of observation from educators.
Effective feedback is an art; too much can overwhelm, too little can lack direction.
In the constructivist framework, learning is an active process. Formative assessment aligns with this by actively shaping the learning journey based on continuous insights.