How to Incorporate Formative and Summative Strategies in the Classroom
- 1). Identify what you want to learn from a classroom assessment. Both summative and formative techniques assess student capabilities but are unique in their approaches. Formative techniques are part of the instructional process and provide teachers and students with the information needed to adjust the teaching process to enhance understanding. Summative techniques gauge student learning relative to content standards and are used to enhance the process to achieve the overall school and curriculum goals.
- 2). Select a Classroom Assessment Technique (CAT) that provides the type of feedback you need, is consistent with your teaching style, and easy to implement in class. For instance for summative assessment, you may use one or a combination of assessments which include; state assessments, interim assessments, end-of-unit or chapter tests, end-of-term or semester exams, yearly-progress and report-card grades. Instructional strategies may include; goal setting, observation, questioning strategies, class discussions, self and peer assessments and student record keeping.
- 3). Explain the purpose of the activity to students before conducting it. This will help students understand why the activity is necessary, and will give them the opportunity to prepare for it as well. For instance, if you choose a questioning strategy, classroom discussions or peer assessment, you may have the students contribute to formulating the questions to ask. Engaging them will not only make them at ease with the activities but also boost their confidence in participating.
- 4). Review the results and decide what changes, if any, to make. Discuss your findings from the CAT with the students and explain to them how you will use this information. Involve the students in identifying the instructional strategies you should use. Ensure that students feel appreciated by taking their individual strengths and weaknesses into consideration while implementing changes.
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