Hello #formativechat - I'm excited to start talking about formative assessments and cultivating critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation.
Hello! My name is Kylee McLafferty and I am a preservice T at Grove City College. I joined this chat a few weeks ago, and I am so excited to be back! #FormativeChat
A1 We can have students write about the how the topic of study connects to their homes, families, interests, and values—and then ask a partner about their responses. This approach honors the diversity in the room and also creates space for a learning conversation. #formativechat
A1: I think that using open-ended discussions leads to development of the four C’s, as it allows for students to challenge each other to think deeper, communicate with each other, work together to have a productive discussion, and come up with creative answers. #FormativeChat
A1 a very difficult question. But a formative that has the four Cs is one that has been carefully planned, purposeful, and really well thought out. #formativechat
A1 video responses using @flipgrid do it for me. Students read and analyze article then respond to prompt making personal connections and referencing text. Peers respond to each other. #formativechat
A1: Great Q! @edpuzzle allows for natural formatives, but I loved embedding Padlets (free ones) for students to ask each other Q's. Encouraged Ss to answer each other first. Excited to see others answer. #formativechat
A1: The very idea of formatively assessing evokes the C’s! Book club themed book quilts & such, written individual reflections, FA check points in PBL and feedback on the process, progress and goals, facilitates all the C’s! So many..... #formativechat
A1: Assessments that are open ended with questions that have no set answer. Different avenues and perspectives to explore. Also questions that "force" students to make connections between topics or across disciplines. #PBL (in all the P forms) #formativechat
A1: A project graded by an authentic audience of experts & people in the community. PBL with a "celebration of learning" to follow can be a great example of this. Critical thinking through problem-solving, presenting, working with others, and being creative. #formativechat
In reply to
@LJHMathRISD, @Rdene915, @goformative, @davidwkwan
A1: I think that using open-ended discussions leads to development of the four C’s, as it allows for students to challenge each other to think deeper, communicate with each other, work together to have a productive discussion, and come up with creative answers. #FormativeChat
A1: Formative assessment can take many forms. A well-organized conference can lead students to think critically and communicate what they really know and/or need more help with #formativechat
A1: Students often feel intimidated by paper assessments and freeze up. Having an individual discussion is a great way to get formative data in a relaxed setting. Students often generative their most innovative and complex ideas when they are stress free #formativechat
A1: A think/pair/share is a great way to get students thinking critically, communicating with their neighbors and peers, collaborating for ideas, and creating something new! #formativechat
In reply to
@LJHMathRISD, @Rdene915, @goformative, @davidwkwan
Jim HS Math checking in from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Wish I could say it was warm down here but we are getting into "winter" but it looks like so are many of you. #formativechat
A1 In science FAs that address part of the process of figuring out, or describing, a #phenomenon Getting Ss together on a process assessment is huge #formativechat
A1: I think team challenges and many @KaganOnline structures promote the 4Cs Also @Flipgrid is a great place for creative formative assessments. #formativechat
A1: The very idea of formatively assessing evokes the C’s! Book club themed book quilts & such, written individual reflections, FA check points in PBL and feedback on the process, progress and goals, facilitates all the C’s! So many..... #formativechat
A1: I liked using @LEGO_Group to have students build models of concepts and then record explanations on @Seesaw. Peers could collaborate and provide feedback easily. #formativechat
A1 I like getting kids up and moving and talking to each other. Stations, Carousel, Round, Gallery walk, Four corners can allow for collaboration and communication. #formativechat
A1: i think its important to encourage students to think for themselves and come up with their own ideas and for every student to accept those ideas #FormativeChat
I’ll be doing this later this week discussing themes of the individual versus State in ANTIGONE in preparation for comparative research papers! #formativechat
A1: Assessments that are co-constructed by Ss, are relevant, authentic & meaningful to them & encourage inquiry & problem solving encourage the development of the 4C's #formativechat
A1 after-science lab reports, where students have to consolidate their information, taking into consideration their observations, hypothesis, inferences as well as connecting prior info to new ones, while explaining everything using science processes #formativechat
A1: I think formatives that promote the four C’s really show a mixture of questions that ask for Ss to think outside the box with what they’ve learned. It’s more applying the strategies that regurgitating the information for one time on a test. #formativechat
A1: One would hope that every formative assessment would touch on at least one of these skills. Key is to relate the assessment authentically to the Ss current learning position. #formativechat
A1: Reflections (with action plans); “stars and wishes” for peerwork/performance, guest teacher/instructor for those ahead of the curve. Anything that requires Ss to DO SOMETHING with the content. #formativechat
#formativechat Hi everyone! Jenn here....I just started a blog focusing on student-centered learning. Would love for everyone to check it out :) https://t.co/bHJeKQ6E8Z Looking forward to the chat!
A1 Opps for Ss to work together, create something, or give them some open ended Qs, and let them decide how to show learning, solve a problem, and share their work #formativechat
In reply to
@LJHMathRISD, @goformative, @davidwkwan
A1: new thing we did this year is made a DOK 2/3 performance task for each math standard following Jo Boaler's idea of low floor, high ceiling. Communication was crucial, creativity honed! #formativechat
A1. I think this Q leads itself to viewing assessment differently. If we start looking at is as assessment for learning than any tasks can be used to gauge Ss learning. Having Ss draw, discuss, or work together that shows what they know helps incorporate the 4cs. #formativechat
A1 we do a lot of group work that leads to group answers which is collaboration. Group discussion usually revolve around their creative builds #formativechat
In reply to
@LJHMathRISD, @Rdene915, @goformative, @davidwkwan
A1 An FA that allows feed back beyond pen/pencil and paper. Allows student choice in response medium and opportunity to reflect and discuss that choice. #formativechat
A1. I think this Q leads itself to viewing assessment differently. If we start looking at is as assessment for learning than any tasks can be used to gauge Ss learning. Having Ss draw, discuss, or work together that shows what they know helps incorporate the 4cs. #formativechat
A1: formative assessments occur minute by minute in the classroom. Activities including think, pair, share, notice & wonder, and turn &talks promote the 4 C’s instantly! #formativechat
A1-I like FAs that are NOT paper & pencil. Make the Ss interact, defend their answers to their peers, figure out a problem w/a partner, challenge me if they think they are right. REAL applications lend themselves to this nicely. #formativechat
Opening our understanding of what it means to learn and what FA is and can do is key! Most of our “activities” should be formative to guide learning and teaching choices
#formativechat
For sure! @Flipgrid has so many Grid Topics in their Discovery Library that shows how you can access Ss and help them develop a true voice as well. #formativechat
Opening our understanding of what it means to learn and what FA is and can do is key! Most of our “activities” should be formative to guide learning and teaching choices
#formativechat
A1: @goformative has a great extensive library of formatives as well that shows how you cannot only have multiple choice, but show your work - it builds the 4Cs as you build the formative! #formativechat
A1 We can have students write about the how the topic of study connects to their homes, families, interests, and values—and then ask a partner about their responses. This approach honors the diversity in the room and also creates space for a learning conversation. #formativechat
those are great ideas, so positive to get them actively learning, they spend more than 11,700 hours in classrooms btw K-12, need to move #formativechat
A2 My ELs don’t like to get up in front of class or have face to face interactions bc of lack of language skills. That is why I use video responses. They can prepare and redo if necessary. #formativechat
Yes. It’s a talk that Ts have to have with Ss: having a growth mindset with the ability to redo a formative and learn as you grow as a learner. #formativechat
Opening our understanding of what it means to learn and what FA is and can do is key! Most of our “activities” should be formative to guide learning and teaching choices
#formativechat
A1: Assessments that are open ended with questions that have no set answer. Different avenues and perspectives to explore. Also questions that "force" students to make connections between topics or across disciplines. #PBL (in all the P forms) #formativechat
A2 My ELs don’t like to get up in front of class or have face to face interactions bc of lack of language skills. That is why I use video responses. They can prepare and redo if necessary. #formativechat
A2: They're the most connected generation ever, but they struggle with basic communication. I try to have them collaborate as much as possible in the classroom to try to break the trend #formativechat
A2: I am not teaching yet, but I know that for me, communication becomes difficult when the group feels uncomfortable with each other. In my future classroom, I hope to create a community of learning where everyone feels comfortable. Any advice on how to do this? #FormativeChat
A1b - When we think of learning I love how people mentioning questioning. If we can get kids to truly like learning, we have to get them to be willing and actually want to ask questions. #formativechat
Absolutely! This allows students to develop their agency, even as they work with their peers to explore their wonderings & curiosities - decide what they need to learn, best ways & depth of learning #formativechat
A2: Unless students are explicitly taught how to collaborate and communicate in a group-learning setting, they can struggle. Teachers can provide sentence starters or other guidance to help with productive talk #formativechat
A2: Sometimes when given voice in their learning partners, the natural tendency is to be with friends & people Ss know; however, common interest groups often yield deeper exploration & collaboration #formativechat Give choice of topic :)
A2 I see Ss struggle when they do not feel that their ideas will be taken as relevant by the group I try to circulate & encourage Ss to dive in & participate in the process of learning #formativechat
A2: Many students are shy or too embarrassed to answer in front of their confident peers. Allowing them to use websites like https://t.co/IPW5XFjFym gives every student the chance to anonymously voice their ideas and opinions without fear! #formativechat
In reply to
@LJHMathRISD, @Rdene915, @goformative, @davidwkwan
A2 - Only giving one way to respond can be a struggle so #studentchoice is important motivation can be a struggle so changing it up, creating #growthmindset important #formativechat
A2 Ss have a hard time giving talking TO each other and not AT each other. Have to model what it should look like and give ways to start the convo. like guiding questions #formativechat
A1: The very idea of formatively assessing evokes the C’s! Book club themed book quilts & such, written individual reflections, FA check points in PBL and feedback on the process, progress and goals, facilitates all the C’s! So many..... #formativechat
It’s a steady process to make the shift. Continually taking with students and providing feedback is crucial to change the culture of assessment #formativechat
A2: Ss struggle with coming to a consensus with their answers. The act of compromise and listening to others is vital, yet difficult. Ss can get help with this by having them list each person’s ideas and then synthesizing everyone’s ideas in a group statement. #formativechat
A2 Group work can feel threatening: students might worry about looking stupid or uncool, getting a bad grade because of someone else’s mistake or lack of effort, or being excluded. What helps: empowering students to clarify and commit to their own values. #formativechat
A2: In writing courses, Ss sometimes struggle communicating constructive criticism in peer review activities. What helps is providing clear directions with Qs and models of student review. #FormativeChat
A2: In math, students struggle to collaborate when they feel rushed. Kids are used to feeling confused in #math so pressure causes them to shutdown. When students work at their own pace, they are relaxed and ready to engage in #inquiry and collaboration #formativechat
You can make discussion safe. Small groups of no more than 4 or partners. Have students share with a partner first and THEN share out to the larger group. They can "field test" answers before it's uncomfortable. #formativechat
A2: Many students are shy or too embarrassed to answer in front of their confident peers. Allowing them to use websites like https://t.co/IPW5XFjFym gives every student the chance to anonymously voice their ideas and opinions without fear! #formativechat
In reply to
@LJHMathRISD, @Rdene915, @goformative, @davidwkwan
A2. Hi. Dan from WI jumping in late. Mostly in person presentations. There’s something about that they hate doing but they will make a video and post it without trouble/worry. #formativechat
A2:
My students struggle giving feedback to one another. They do not trust themselves to know what good acting/designing/writing is. We just keep practing and encouraging. Another is they have a hard time viewing some of the more “fun” stuff as formative. LOL #formativechat
A2: S’s struggle when it comes to collaboration due to fear of appearing not smart or shy to work w/ others. Some tech. that help are flexibility when it comes to grouping (number of S’s, student choice) & by modeling appropriate sentence starters & behaviors. #formativechat
A2 - Only giving one way to respond can be a struggle so #studentchoice is important motivation can be a struggle so changing it up, creating #growthmindset important #formativechat
A1: A project graded by an authentic audience of experts & people in the community. PBL with a "celebration of learning" to follow can be a great example of this. Critical thinking through problem-solving, presenting, working with others, and being creative. #formativechat
In reply to
@LJHMathRISD, @Rdene915, @goformative, @davidwkwan
A2: When content isn't applicable nor interesting. It's our duty as educators to engage student passions and help them discover their interests. They'll naturally collaborate if they want to reach their endgame task! #edchat#growthmindset#formativechat
A2 - Mostly when it comes to being risk takers and being empowered. So many kids have lesrned to be compliant. This hurts their ability to really find enjoyment.
Give them options on lessons, provide meaningful feedback, assess progress and not focus on grades. #formativechat
Don't even get me started on having them write questions! I didn't realize how little they know about writing a good quality questions until I did a review activity. #formativechat
A student who is not comfortable will also not take academic risks Those risks are the catalyst to strong classroom questioning Getting Ss comfortable is so important #formativechat
A2-In math I often see Ss struggle w/vocab that has a "different" meaning in math. Funny how reading comprehension levels instantly drop as soon as Ss walk into a math class. I help this by using the vocab myself orally and in probs and make Ss use in responses. #formativechat
A2: when asked to explain their answer in math, they want to list the steps. I try to have them pretend they are telling a 2nd grader about the problem.#formativechat
A2: Ss struggle to communicate when we focus more on the style of their delivery, than on the content. When we openly value their voices &encourage Ss to share their ideas, SS are more confident. When we offer many modes of sharing, then Ss are even more likely to #formativechat
. @MathDenisNJ covers questioning and assessment for math beautifully in his new book, Hacking Mathematics. He actually says #teachers should "be less helpful," and encourage kids to ask more questions.
#formativechat
I may even take out rigorous Science phenomenon can be simple, basic yet still relevant I agree Ss need to see relevancy in what the process is all about #formativechat
A2. Although our students communicate all day through social media and text messaging, we must model and practice student conversation throughout our lessons. #formativechat
A2. I think both of these skills need to be explicitly taught and modeled if we want Ss to use them successfully. Most of the times when Ss struggle it’s because we think they understand what the skill/output is supposed to look like and they don’t. #formativechat
A2: A challenge could be simply communicating their learning needs. Important for Ss to self-evaluate and exercise self-efficacy. To own their learning narratives. #FormativeChat
Choice leads to opportunities which lead to more choices which leads to deeper understanding which leads to HMW ideas which is a better experience to remember content #formativechat
A2: students struggle in the beginning of the year until they are comfortable and with brand new content. Allowing student voice & choice helps as well as introducing new FAs with non-content questions like favorite novel #formativechat
We have been talking in #crp about the importance of showing students that what they are learning is relevant so that they want to learn it. #FormativeChat
A2 #formativechat When students do collaboration, some students don’t trust their mates. They think only the teacher is the authority and has the correct answer. Then they always ask the teacher even if it’s just a little question.
Hey Erica :) Glad to see so many of our Certified Educators here! Agreed, I think that the role that formative assessment can plan in addressing this is in asking students to reflect upon their #softskills and what they can do to improve. #formativechat
I remember teaching a whole unit on perspective and disequilibrium before attempting activities that were controversial. (I taught social studies - ALL content is controversial!) #formativechat
Be open with my flaws and mistakes Encourage them to take chances because mistakes are a pathway to success It is also important to build a positive laureateship w/your Ss #formativechat
Absolutely! This is particularly true when Ts openly value multiple modes of demonstrating learning and don't favour some over others. When this is true, Ss know their efforts are valued. #formativechat
I have started each year doing some ice breakers or activ to get Ss working together, build relationships, has definitely made a difference #formativechat
I help this by trying to not be so serious about everything all of the time. I joke, make loud noises, make mistakes (some on purpose and some honest mistakes) to show Ss that it happens and we learn from our mistakes. Makes for a loud classroom but a relaxed one. #formativechat
absolutely, sharing our struggles breaks that myth that Ts know everything, we share with them, show it is ok to fail, to keep trying and push through #formativechat
A3 This year I have started allowing Ss the choice to write/draw/sketch/diagram/etc
their answers as much as possible. I don't want them getting hung up on not knowing a specific term. #formativechat
A fun trick I use quite frequently is to put the names of my Ss in problems that we do. Especially on assessments. Really helps Ss to remember and engage in problems. #formativechat
Q3: Allowing Ss to come up with unique ways to show their learning and their understanding of learning. This can be achieved through choice boards, hyperdocs, and other project-based learning. #formativechat
A3: I often give them leeway....I set very vague guidelines for requirements and then tell them to run with whatever they're comfortable with. I have found they give better work if you restrict the mandates #formativechat
A3 One formative assessment task that promotes creativity is helping Ss create metaphors about the topic of study:
If ___ was music, what instrument would play it?
If ___ was math, what would be the equation?
If ___ was an outfit, what would it look like?
#formativechat
A3: When planning for FA’s, consider the whole learner, give options that include multiple methods for producing learning, multiple tools, steer, but don’t drive 😉creativity will blossom! #formativechat
A2 - Only giving one way to respond can be a struggle so #studentchoice is important motivation can be a struggle so changing it up, creating #growthmindset important #formativechat
Q3: Allowing Ss to come up with unique ways to show their learning and their understanding of learning. This can be achieved through choice boards, hyperdocs, and other project-based learning. #formativechat
A3: Allow students to explain their answers because sometimes their creative thought process leads to another answer. If we allow students to explain their point of view, it will make them feel accepted, and will encourage them to be creative more often. #FormativeChat
A3 - Model and champion that the process is where the magic happens and the answer is not as important as it is sometimes made out to be. Goes back to the concept of a #growthmindset Learning is a journey have some fun with it #formativechat
A3.2 Another formative assessment task that promotes creativity is to ask students to draw, sculpt, collage, or create movement sequences to show what they’ve learned so far. #formativechat
A3-Choice. HAve to give Ss choice. Not just in how they can show you what they know but in when, what parts/topics. Options to tackle "hard" probs 1st or last, leave it up to them. #formativechat
A fun trick I use quite frequently is to put the names of my Ss in problems that we do. Especially on assessments. Really helps Ss to remember and engage in problems. #formativechat
A3. I have Ss doing summative projects but they do something of their choice for daily learning verification. They enjoy it and I get a lot of different things tailored to their likes/interests. #formativechat
A3: Student choice! I had a T who taught the foundation for a unit in one day, then he gave us the next class period to build/make something based on the lesson. We loved taking ownership of our learning and being creative! So much better than lecture. #formativechat
In reply to
@LJHMathRISD, @Rdene915, @goformative, @davidwkwan
A3: All about creativity and variety. Give students choices on assignments, and monitor progress along the way. That is powerful formative assessment because it is real time #formativechat
A3 curriculum negotiation, meet with your students and work out ways they can highlight their thinking but at the same time meeting the standards set. #formativechat
A3a: Student choice and ownership can increase creativity! I often have students create and solve their own problems and I compile a worksheet with the problems! #formativechat
A3: I really like interdisciplinary units of study. They become a work in progress. Rigor and relevance are natural components and so many standards can be integrated. If we, as educators are creative in planning, students will be in the task. #formativechat
A3.2 Another formative assessment task that promotes creativity is to ask students to draw, sculpt, collage, or create movement sequences to show what they’ve learned so far. #formativechat
A3 Allow student the freedom to discuss their thinking towards an answer. Give them an opportunity to respond in a way where they are maming connections relevant to them. make it "sticky"..... #formativechat
A3: Ss providing evidence of mastery on their own terms and preferences. Instead of assessment as a teacher-controlled activity, permit Ss to own the process. #FormativeChat
A3b: Someone from my #PLN also once suggested having the kids write on a post-it what they learned from the unit that was not assessed on a test. The results were fascinating and helped me reflect on my assessments! #formativechat
A3: Keep some creative restrictions but still allow for a ton of student choice. Keep some basic parameters (length? style? medium?) but really let students role with it. Establish a community where taking risks is WORTHWHILE and failure is normalized. #formativechat#4cs
In reply to
@LJHMathRISD, @Rdene915, @goformative, @davidwkwan
A3a: Heard a cool story from a Voxer buddy - SS teacher would come in & dump a table of random art supplies on a table and instruct students to design something that represents their learning so far. #formativechat
A3: we have to ensure it’s part of the process. I like to include a @Padlet where Ss have to respond to one another. @flipgrid is also perfect for this. #FormativeChat
A3 one way that I’ve amped up the creativity is allowing Ss to use doodle notes during read alouds. I read and Ss create sketches of what’s happening in the story. It’s been a great way to help boost comp and a quick, fun way for me to see who gets it. #formativechat
A3: I like to allow students the choice of method to show what they know. I find they are more creative if they are comfortable with the presentation. #formativechat
I had a college course like this. We had a chair on a table before all of us. We had three hours to compare what was in front of us to what we learned the entire course! Talk about having to get creative! #formativechat
A3a: Heard a cool story from a Voxer buddy - SS teacher would come in & dump a table of random art supplies on a table and instruct students to design something that represents their learning so far. #formativechat
I love this idea, Lisa! Even as an adult, I find that strategies where we can make the things we agree upon (concrete), are so important to fostering communication and collaboration. #formativechat
A3- An option that some of my Ss like to use to create a video/tutorial is @Powtoon. Some AMAZINGLY creative projects have come from some of my Ss that I least expected. #formativechat
A3 one way that I’ve amped up the creativity is allowing Ss to use doodle notes during read alouds. I read and Ss create sketches of what’s happening in the story. It’s been a great way to help boost comp and a quick, fun way for me to see who gets it. #formativechat
A key concern for me is the "meaningful" part of assessment. What I consider to be meaningful may have zero connection to my Ss and their learning. A constant communication stream with Ss. #FormativeChat
A3b - Another great method is blind reading. Students read and reflect on the work of other students. When they are done, we make a list of the 10-15 key learned topics. #formativechat
A3: I have always found adopting a cross-curricular/multi-disciplinary approach encourages creativity/innovation. Ss can transfer their learning & the support of & collaboration with other Ts & Ss make learning even more social than usual #formativechat
Surveying students on instructional techniques that work for them, their thoughts on assessments, classroom management protocols, etc. are very insightful. I used to survey students once a quarter. Hard to read - so impactful. #formativechat
I am so glad that I was able to join again tonight! I am so grateful for all of the wisdom you shared with me tonight! You are all such wonderful educators!! #formativechat
A3: Allow students to explain their answers because sometimes their creative thought process leads to another answer. If we allow students to explain their point of view, it will make them feel accepted, and will encourage them to be creative more often. #FormativeChat
Woah! The energy is #formativechat tonight was palpable! I need another 30 minutes to read over the rest of these awesome responses :) Bravo, @LJHMathRISD !
Thanks for another great #formativechat shout out to @LJHMathRISD for a great job moderating and providing great thought provoking Qs have a great week #great
Woah! The energy is #formativechat tonight was palpable! I need another 30 minutes to read over the rest of these awesome responses :) Bravo, @LJHMathRISD !
A2: Students who are accustomed to collecting points/grades (as opposed to engaging in learning) more often are less interested in communicating/collaborating. We must be intentional in our instruction & assessment & our own communication to motivate learning #formativechat
Have you heard the news? We added an advanced Numeric question type that allows students to respond with a button-based equation editor! Sign up for premium and try this free for 30 days: https://t.co/JNhx8vvTxr#formativechat
A2-Ss struggle w confidence in their answers. SpEd Ss in a co-taught class especially. Have to work to foster confidence in their answers within a group. #formativechat
https://t.co/KFrkPP7JxF
they don't sell the kits like that anymore but you can easily take small containers and make your own kits with Legos from a yard sale. Prompts can be made for any subject. #formativechat
Hey Kristen, we just wrapped up (4:30PM PST -5PM PST, each week)! That being said, feel free to share your responses and check out what others have said! :) #formativechat
So true. Open lines of two-way communication to stay connected w/Ss and to try to see things from their perspective always crushes one-way lectures. Funny how that happens, right? #formativechat
#formativechat
The academic language is huge! Sometimes even just in the directions written in math homework throws student thinking for a loop! They have to know what the language means...& if a teacher can connect it meaningfully in another domain, all the better!!!
Absolutely agree - a connections web that links ideas, vocabulary and understanding across subjects and units - learning is linked not in silo in nature #formativechat
I learned so much from my students with those surveys. Teachers not only need feedback from other educators to grow. They need feedback from their students as well. #formativechat
Discuss with your students well before what ways they think the assessment could be structured to be meaningful and that will allow them to demonstrate understanding #formativechat
