Great examples of formative assessments

Formative assessments are important to use in teaching science - both to extend student learning and deepen knowledge in a particular subject area. In this article, Keeley introduces a probe... See More

Formative assessments are important to use in teaching science - both to extend student learning and deepen knowledge in a particular subject area. In this article, Keeley introduces a probe called a "Justified List" to gauge student understanding and identify misconceptions about what seeds need to grow. In this type of probe, students select items from a list (i.e. air, food, sunlight, warmth, etc.) that fit the rule (what seeds need) and check corresponding boxes. They then justify their reasoning for selecting particular items (younger children will do this orally). Another type of probe Keeley presents is the Formative Assessment Classroom Technique (FACT). Students agree or disagree with filled-in statements, i.e. "Seeds need darkness to sprout" - agree or disagree? Older elementary students can handle a "depends on" option. Formative probes are intended to occur during the teaching stage (rather than a summative assessment which occurs at the end). The purpose is to extend learning by thoughtfully guiding your next steps of instruction with your students.

Things You Should Know

This formative assessment probe addresses the understanding of germination without using the actual word so as not to influence responses. It seeks to understand what students think seeds n... See More

This formative assessment probe addresses the understanding of germination without using the actual word so as not to influence responses. It seeks to understand what students think seeds need to sprout and grow. In the author’s own words this probe represents a “justified list probe which asks students to select examples from a list that fit a particular criterion and then justify the “rule” or reasoning they used.” The author also explains what she calls the ‘A and D statement technique’. This is a must read to learn about all the ways a formative assessment probe can be used.

Probing MInds with Seeds

This article centers around another fantastic formative probe from the "Uncovering Student Ideas" series. More importantly, it contains Page Keeley's thoughts on what formative assessment r... See More

This article centers around another fantastic formative probe from the "Uncovering Student Ideas" series. More importantly, it contains Page Keeley's thoughts on what formative assessment really is and what it might look like in the classroom. She adds ideas on how to elicit meaningful dialogue and how to extend and deepen student understanding.