Formative assessment
Video transcript
Voiceover:
The tutors in the CPD session are given statements about formative assessment and must say whether they agree or disagree.
Tutor:
Okay Jazz, what have you got?
Jazz:
Formative assessment outcomes need not be recorded.
Tutor:
What do you think, do you tend to agree or disagree?
Jazz:
I tend to disagree with that. I think that we need to record the outcomes of formative assessment because it shows that the process is being carried out and what actions are being taken to enhance the long term learning experience for the learners.
Tutor 1:
Learners find it helpful if tutors compare one learner with another when giving feedback as part of formative assessment. I strongly disagree with that one. I really don't know how to say any more than you would not just compare one student with another.
Tutor 2:
Formative assessment should be 'designed in' not 'bolted on'- which is an interesting one. I generally agree because clearly it's a toolkit of methods that you're going to use to assess learning and perhaps modify your teaching later on so it should be integrated into your whole teaching process. Equally formative assessment does imply that it's going to modify learning, you may come across a particular group or a particular situation where you may need to alter your formative assessment to take more account of what's going on in the classroom, to make sure that you really do modify your teaching so there has to be some flexibility.
Jazz:
Formative assessment should be interactive. I think that's fundamental and it's absolutely essential. It allows the learners to feel involved and allows the tutors to relate to individual learners and give them feedback and guidance.
Tutor 4:
Tutors should give scores or grades when assessing a work product for formative assessment purposes. I would disagree with that. I don't think it's entirely necessary to give a score or a grade. I think it's important to concentrate on giving them positive feedback, particularly if they are the sort of learner that lacks confidence, self esteem. I think giving somebody a score or a grade can be de-motivating and demoralising.
To assist facilitators of the CPD activities on formative assessment, tutors discuss whether or not they agree with statements on formative assessment.