Formative Assessment

How to use this page:  

There obviously are many techniques and strategies for formative assessment.  At first glance this page may appear a little overwhelming.  (It is just a long list of links after all!)  For that reason, there is a bit of structure to this page. Click on the links for Ashburn's Favorites, Section 1 or Section 2 to get to that area of the page.  

Favorites!  NEW*** We are adding content that are favorites of the teachers of Mountain View Elementary!  

Section 1 - For teachers who are either new to the idea of formative assessment, have dabbled in it but are not comfortable with it yet, or just like to start at the beginning.  It has some basic information about formative assessment and some super easy strategies you can use to get started.  Start slow, make it a goal to try 4 different strategies this nine weeks! 

Section 2  - For teachers who have been using formative assessment but either want to use it at a higher level, or are looking for new strategies to try. The key to using formative assessment at a high level is to plan for its use in your lesson plans.  The first resource is a menu of strategies you can choose from when planning your lesson.  There is also a blank template so you can create your own menu of your favorite strategies. Make it a goal to try 4 new strategies this nine weeks!

Thick and Thin Questions-   

Thick questions relate to the big picture.  Thin questions are specific and to the point.  Have students create Thick and Thin Questions for the texts that they are reading. They can write their questions on large sticky notes for thick questions and small sticky notes for thin questions.  Click on Thick and Thin Question Overview for more info.

Numbered Heads Together- 

Numbered Heads Together is a cooperative learning strategy where students are placed in groups and each person is given a number (from one to the maximum number in each group). The teacher poses a question and students "put their heads together" to figure out the answer. The teacher calls a specific number to respond as spokesperson for the group. By having students work together in a group, this strategy ensures that each member knows the answer to problems or questions asked by the teacher. Because no one knows which number will be called, all team members must be prepared.

Click the link below for more information and ideas for each subject area. 

Answer of the Day and Open Ended Extenders -   

  •  Answer of the day is a strategy where you give an answer and students have to come up with questions that relate to the answer.  Click here for an example.

Section 1: Start here if you want to ease into formative assessment.

Inside the Black Box: Raising Standards Through Classroom Assessment - This is a research paper that explains the value of Formative Assessment.

Question for Understanding – Socratic Questioning

Questioning is one of the most basic types of formative assessments.   There are six types of question techniques to Socratic Questioning. Click here for a list of them along with examples.  Put this technique in your teacher tool box and use it to probe your student’s understanding of a concept.

The definitions for the following Formative Assessment Strategies can be found here:  Use this document to choose 4 strategies you want to try this nine weeks. 

Tip: If you find one you like, do a Google search for the name of the strategy and you will probably find all sorts of templates you could use.  Why remake the wheel?

  • 1 Minute Essay

  • 1 Sentence Summary

  • 1 Word Summary

  • 3 Minute Pause

  • ABC Summaries

  • Analogy Prompt

  • Choral Response

  • Exit Cards

  • Hand Signals

  • Idea Spinner

  • Index Card Summary

  • Inside Outside Circle

  • Journal Entry

  • Misconception Check

  • Numbered Heads Together

  • Observation

  • Oral Questioning

  • Portfolio Check

  • Quick Quiz

  • Self Assessment

  • Student Conference

  • Ticket to Leave

  • Think Pair Share

  • Turn to Your Partner

  • Web or Concept Map

Section 2 - Start here if you want to improve on your current formative assessment practices:

To use formative assessment at a high level you must include it in your lesson plans.  Here is a menu of formative assessment strategies that you can use when you are planning.  There are links in this document to take you to templates of the strategies listed here. 

Lesson Planning Menu - this document has a bunch of activities/strategies that can be used in your lesson planing.

Lesson Planning Menu Template - Use this document to create your own menu of your favorite tried and true strategies.  Have them at your fingertips when you plan your lessons.

The rest of this page is full of links to directions, templates and worksheets you can use for formative assessment.  Choose 4 new strategies to try this nine weeks!

Click the following links for more information on these strategies.

Definitions for the following Formative Assessment Strategies can be found here:

   1 Minute Essay
   Concept Mapping
   Exit Tickets 
   Homework/Quizzes/Tests
   Problem Solving Observation
   Survey Students

Information for the following Formative Assessment Strategies  and many others can be found here:

   1 Sentence Summary

   Anticipation Guide

   Application Card

   Clock Buddies  - Clock Buddies Template

   Exit Ticket - Template - At the end of the lesson students complete an exit ticket that prompts them to answer a question targeting the big idea of the lesson.

   Fact Storming - English  - Science -  Social Studies

   My Top 10 List

   My Opinion Journal

   SOS Summary  - SOS Summary Template

   Write About