Video - Formative Assessment in an Online Environment

Watch the video Formative Assessment in an Online Environment where you will learn about the concept of formative evaluation and especially its application in online and hybrid classes.

IMPORTANT: This activity is mandatory!

Transcript

	Formative assessment is not about assigning grades, rather, it is about supporting learning. Its purpose is not to evaluate completed work, but to facilitate learning while it is still in progress. In an online setting, this becomes even more important because we do not have the benefit of immediate contact with students. In this lesson, we will explore how to "listen" to students' progress each week and adjust our teaching methods accordingly. We introduce tools, examples, and practical tips that make formative assessment a straightforward yet powerful teaching tool. Formative assessments are employed during the learning process, unlike summative assessments, which result in a final grade. Formative assessments provide feedback to both students and teachers allowing for improvements in subsequent learning. These assessments can take the form of comments, mini quizzes, reflections, or self-assessments. They do not need to be numerically graded. What matters is that feedback is timely, specific, and focused on the student's progress. Formative assessments can be seamlessly integrated into the teaching process. A forum question that seeks an honest response rather than a formal one can reveal areas where students are struggling. Comments on the structure, style, or relevance of sources in a draft essay can guide students before they submit the final version. Reflective writing encourages students to recognize their progress and take responsibility for their learning. These methods save time while providing insights that can alter the course of instruction and learning processes. Formative assessment is more than just a tool. It is a relationship. The way in which feedback is provided can significantly affect student progress. Adopt a supportive approach. Begin by highlighting what the students has done well then offer guidance and conclude with the thought provoking question rather than saying that's not correct. Try, that's an interesting perspective. Can you relate this to last week's topic? This type of communication fosters confidence and intrinsic motivation. Your tone and words choice matters. Students should not only receive feedback, but also generate themselves. Peer feedback cultivates analytical and empathetic skills. When students provide feedback to their peers, they gain insight into their own work. Reflective journals help students become aware of their learning processes. A quiz created by students for their peers can serve as both. Revision tool and the form of peer support. These practices promote autonomy and accountability. Online tools allow us to assess our understanding easily and efficiently. A Google Forms quiz can immediately inform students whether they are on track. Google Docs enables commenting on essays as they develop. Mentimeter provides insights into the entire group's thinking either live or asynchronously the keys to reassured students that the purpose is not grading but guidance, and that you are there to support, not to catch mistakes. Formative assessment is not an additional burden. Rather, it is the cornerstone of high quality contemporary teaching. This allows you to tailor your teaching methods to the actual needs of students, helping them to learn with less anxiety, deeper understanding, and greater confidence. This week, try incorporating a small formative moment. Ask a question that encourages critical thinking. Provide feedback on a draft rather than waiting for the final version to be submitted. Or simply ask, “How’s it going?”