I. Based on Assessment Method:
* Formative Assessment: These assessments happen *during* the learning process to inform instruction and provide feedback to students. They are not graded for a final score. Examples include:
* Observation: Watching students work individually or in groups, noting their engagement, understanding, and skills. Anecdotal notes are a common record-keeping tool.
* Questioning: Asking open-ended and clarifying questions to gauge student understanding. This can be done verbally, through written prompts, or using technology-based tools.
* Exit Tickets: Quick assessments at the end of a lesson to check for understanding.
* Think-Pair-Share: A collaborative activity where students discuss their understanding before sharing with the whole class.
* Self and Peer Assessment: Students reflect on their own work or provide feedback to classmates. Rubrics can guide this process.
* Quick Writes/One-Minute Papers: Students briefly summarize key concepts or respond to a prompt.
* Summative Assessment: These assessments happen *after* a learning period to evaluate student learning and achievement. They are usually graded. Examples include:
* Tests: Traditional paper-and-pencil tests, multiple-choice, true/false, essay, short-answer questions.
* Quizzes: Shorter tests covering a smaller amount of material.
* Projects: Complex assignments that require students to apply their knowledge and skills.
* Presentations: Oral presentations demonstrating understanding and communication skills.
* Portfolios: Collections of student work showcasing growth and achievement over time.
* Exams: Comprehensive assessments covering a larger body of knowledge.
II. Based on Assessment Format:
* Traditional Assessments: Paper-based tests, quizzes, essays, and projects.
* Performance-Based Assessments: Assess students' ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. This includes presentations, projects, experiments, and demonstrations.
* Authentic Assessments: Real-world tasks that mirror situations students will encounter outside the classroom.
* Digital Assessments: Utilizing technology such as online quizzes, interactive simulations, and digital portfolio platforms.
III. Based on Assessment Focus:
* Criterion-Referenced Assessments: Compare student performance to a predetermined standard or criterion. (e.g., a rubric).
* Norm-Referenced Assessments: Compare student performance to the performance of other students. (e.g., standardized tests).
* Self-Assessment: Students evaluate their own learning and progress.
* Peer Assessment: Students evaluate each other's work.
IV. Specific Tools and Techniques:
* Rubrics: Provide clear criteria for evaluating student work.
* Checklists: List of specific skills or criteria that students need to demonstrate.
* Anecdotal Records: Brief, informal notes about student behavior and learning.
* Learning Logs/Journals: Students record their thoughts, reflections, and understanding.
* Rating Scales: Numerical scales used to rate student performance on specific criteria.
The choice of assessment tools depends on the learning objectives, the subject matter, the students' age and abilities, and the overall goals of the assessment. Effective teachers often use a variety of assessment methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of their students' learning.