Brief Summary
This video explains formative assessment as a continuous process where teachers and learners use information about student achievement to adjust learning and improve outcomes. It emphasises the importance of ongoing assessment to ensure learning stays on track, using the analogy of a pilot constantly adjusting course. Formative assessment acts as a bridge between teaching and learning, enabling teachers to reflect on their practice and make incremental improvements.
- Formative assessment involves using information to adapt teaching and student work.
- It requires constant monitoring of student progress and making necessary adjustments.
- Assessment serves as the crucial link between teaching and learning.
Defining Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is described as the processes used by teachers and learners to utilise information about student achievement to make adjustments that improve learning outcomes. It's about using data to adapt teaching methods and student work, ensuring learning progresses in the right direction and providing necessary support. This approach contrasts with lecturing and only assessing understanding at the end of a unit. The speaker uses an analogy of a pilot who flies for nine hours without checking the location and only asks if it's London after landing, highlighting the absurdity of teaching material without continuously checking for understanding. Formative assessment encourages teachers to constantly monitor students' progress and make adjustments as needed.
The Importance of Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is crucial because it bridges teaching and learning. Assessment is the only way to determine if what has been taught has been learned. Focusing on assessment minute by minute and day by day, rather than at the end of a learning sequence, allows teachers to reflect on their practice and make small, impactful improvements. This continuous assessment process enables ongoing reflection and refinement of teaching methods, leading to more effective learning outcomes.
