Formative assessment is a strategy we use in every lesson to check students' understanding and monitor student engagement, understanding and interests.
Examples of Formative Assessment
Turn and Tell or Think-Pair-Share
Students explain, describe, question and brainstorm in partners.
Thumbs Up!
Students hold their thumbs up, down or on the side to quickly answer a teacher's questions.
Exit Slip
Students must answer a question before leaving the classroom before break, or at the end of the day.
Four Corners
Each corner, or an area of the classroom is given a possible answer, such as 'yes', 'no', 'I don't know' or 'I believe it could be both'. Students are asked a question and they need to form their opinion and move to the area which implies their answer or belief.
Graffiti Wall
Students post their answers to a specific question on a wall.
Individual Whiteboards
Students write their answer to a question and then hold up their whiteboards to show the teacher for a quick check of their understanding.
One Minute Essays
Students are given one minute to write what they know on a given topic.
Clickers
An online tool which provides an instant summary of student answers. Students can see how many peers gave which answer on the interactive whiteboard.
Traffic Lights
Students dots are kept on green if they understand. Students are asked to turn over their dot to red if they need teacher assistance.
Show of Hands
Students are asked to put their hand up to answer yes/no a question.