Ongoing assessment is the process of gathering information from a variety of sources such as assignments, teacher observations, class discussions, and tests and quizzes. Teachers must assess regularly to inform their instructional strategies, learn about each student’s readiness, interests, and learning preferences and to improve student learning.
Assessment for learning not only includes pre-assessment, but also formative assessment. Formative assessments are used during a unit to provide understanding about what the student is learning, and continually guide instructional. Assessment as learning takes place when students self-assess their work and reflect on their growth as learners. This might include peer/self assessments, and peer/teacher conferences.
Assessment of learning, or summative assessment, takes place after the learning has occurred and students can show what concepts and/or skills they have learned during a unit of study. Differentiation can also be used here through a variety of strategies such as tests, projects, demonstrations, writing activities, artwork.
These ongoing assessments help the teacher get to know their learners strengths as well as their needs, so they can select effective teaching and learning strategies, and interventions that maximize student achievement. Students and parents can also use these assessments to reflect and understand their own learning preferences and level of achievement.
Miss Rebecca's Room 