#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
Here is our current #Edchat Topic. Remember to put the #Edchat hashtag on every tweet you want included in the chat. Topic: Is formative assessment geared for the teacher or the student?
Good formative assessments provide a valuable resource...SPECIFIC feedback. Collecting is not enough. How teachers and particularly students use it makes all the difference. #EdChat#EDL709
In the cold and darkness of the world, I’m glad I get the opportunity to be the light and warmth for my your youngest of students. #education#edchat#firstfireoftheseason
Formative assessment is a tremendous resource for the teacher. It shows where instruction/ scaffolding is needed, which ultimately benefits the student. #edchat#EDL709
#Edchat Formative assessment provides information for both, if done well. It shows the teacher what needs to still be reviewed, and shows the students gaps in knowledge and questions to ask.
There are multiple kinds of formative assessment. Some provides feedback for teachers to guide instruction, some provides students with a work sample they can self-assess. It's for BOTH teachers and students. #edchat
Good formative assessments provide a valuable resource...SPECIFIC feedback. Collecting is not enough. How teachers and particularly students use it makes all the difference. #EdChat#EDL709
Formative assessment really is greet for everyone. It provides the information that all stakeholders need to make it to the final destination. #edchat#EDL709
I always explained assessments by comparing the teacher to a chef. Tasting the dinner as it is prepared & adjusting it is the formative assessment. The diner's response to the finished meal is summative assessment. #Edchat
Great topic. Of course formative assessment is 4 both T & S. But, here is the beauty of formative assessment: if T really listen to students, see & hear what they r doing, then every lesson is NEW. Why because the teacher will have to fine-tune their lesson to S. needs. #edchat
The best formative assessment is quick and easy for teachers to assess, because it is focused on one skill. If it takes hours to grade, it's probably not going to give you a specific enough data point to adjust in the next lesson--or too many data points. #edchat
I think formative assessment works for both. It is a guide for teachers to know whether students understand or not. For students, it is a good for review and learning if they did understand the content initially. #edchat
Again, the beauty of formative assessment. Veteran or new teachers have to constantly modify their lessons depending on student feedback? Teachers r thinking: Do I need to restate th point? Do I need to be more clear? Why r only 3 students getting it? How can I do better? #edchat
Measure the role of feedback in a formative assessment and how that affects future plans, and that will reveal who the assessment is serving.
#edchat#edl709
Formative assessment really is greet for everyone. It provides the information that all stakeholders need to make it to the final destination. #edchat#EDL709
Honestly, I don't see much emphasis placed on formative data outside the classroom. We mostly rely on summative assessments to gauge how we're doing as a dept/ school. #edchat#EDL709
I am always surprised at how many teachers lack a real understanding of assessments and what they are used for. Too many think grades are the only form of assessment. #Edchat
For students formative assessment can be great if they get feedback quickly, and if the feedback is specific, and positive. In contrast to summative which is evaluative and gives little opportunity to "redo" #edchat
Time is one of the most valuable resources in the classroom. Formative assessments enable teachers to use that time wisely. Without formative data, teachers don't know whether to reteach, move on, or dive deeper. #Edchat#EDL709
Stepping up my Assessment Game with Social Media Cards. Started experimenting with them this week. Feel free to download, laminate, then have sts use dry erase markers for endless use. Link to templates https://t.co/Ij3e7JyLKv#physed#edchat
Okay, I have to admit... seeing my fifth grade students hold discussions about their favorite books via @Flipgrid when they're not even at school is pretty flipping cool. #edchat#flipgrid#edtechteam#kygodigital
formative assessment is anything that lets me know where I am with that objective. Helps me guide where I've been, where I am, and where I need to go. #edchat
I just read this: “Average Math Teachers ask Students to Show their Work. The Best Math Teachers ask Students to Show their Thinking! #edchat” loved it!!
I would love that! I haven't seen much use of formative assessments with my little people (I'm ESOL K, 2-5), so I'd love ideas to share with my Ts! #Edchat
The BIG question! Let's see and treat our students as WRITERS: Real rhetorical situations (purpose, audience) in an authentic writing process with meaningful feedback @KenHopkinsJr@STMonaco#edchat#edchatri#ncte
But lets remember, both formative and summative r necessary, Have different purposes. The problem is that for some T, summative becomes a label for students. May lead to tracking and negative, permanent placement. We need growth, not deficit model. #edchat
It's also important to know what to do when the assessment is over... figuring out how to adjust instruction after students didn't get it the first time is challenging. #edchat
Time is one of the most valuable resources in the classroom. Formative assessments enable teachers to use that time wisely. Without formative data, teachers don't know whether to reteach, move on, or dive deeper. #Edchat#EDL709
I like think-pair-share and questioning. I like think-pair-share allows for discussion and interaction. I think that is important for learning because it helps students realize they are working together to learn. Questioning is a great tool to gauge understanding. #edchat
Is formative assessment geared toward the T or S? The answer is both and centered in collaboration. #edchat See the last two columns - the student piece is the most powerful.
If quizzes are formative assessments to determine how effective the lessons have been, is it fair to count quiz grades in the average if results are poor indicating maybe a poor lesson. #Edchat
Sorry to join late. Working. Formative assessment is valuable for both tchrs & stds but is only useful when someone DOES something based on the info. #edchat
Students might reassess their own time management and their view of themselves as learners. Students learn how to learn if they can see the progress they make and the challenges that still remain. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @disseler, @RArmstrongPE
Yes, & if we see room for growth on a summative assessment, we still should plan to help the S reach mastery, even if we assumed mastery should have been met then. #edchat
Teaching students how to formatively assess their own learning is key too. Requires metacognition, makes inquiry projects possible. It's hard to engage in self-directed inquiry and investigation without some self-assessment skills #edchat
I always explained assessments by comparing the teacher to a chef. Tasting the dinner as it is prepared & adjusting it is the formative assessment. The diner's response to the finished meal is summative assessment. #Edchat
Milwaukee Collegiate Academy’s mission is to nurture scholars capable of transforming their world, by sending them to and through college. Hey! Our Mission finally fits in a tweet! #280characters@HowardLFuller#wiedu#edchat
Formative assessments should be geared towards the students so that feedback can enhance their learning. But it also helps the teacher know progress students are making during a topic. #edchat
#edchat A2 We can count FA quiz grades if we are careful. We might drop the lowest grade, or only give participation credit rather than numerical, or let students make corrections and resubmit for credit.
Exactly quick and easy means of assessment. Each student has a number linked to their card so I can easily capture a picture and review answers later from students knowing which student had which card. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @mrshowell24, @sgthomas1973, @MrCramer7
I love the thought of Ss and T having an authentic conversation about the quality of the lesson that was just taught, because you are so right! Formative assessment reflects on both T & S performance, but should also be a jumping off point for reflection for both #edchat
Twitter tip: While in any Twiiter chat like #Edchat, be sure to follow those chatters who add value to the chat, or those who challenge your thinking. Great tweeters=great info
Well, good for you guys for jumping in! I don't try to keep up with EVERYONE b/c it can be overwhelming. Follow just a few threads if necessary! #Edchat
Yeah I didn’t even realize it until I started typing out the tweet haha. And honestly didn’t know there was an #edchat conversation happening at the moment. Good timing I guess
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @MrCramer7, @mrshowell24
Yes! I struggle w/ so many Ss who only care about being "right vs wrong." How can we switch this towards a growth mindset to use feedback to grow? Keep modeling? #edchat#EDL709
How often would Ts come to the conclusion that the results were based on poor teaching. Don't most of us think we did a good job, even if results are poor? #Edchat
A great way for T to receive formative assessment from S (& model lifelong learning) is to ask them to share their ideas with u, digitally or as an exit pass: How could I have done a better job w th lesson? What could I have explained better? What is still puzzling you? #edchat
Teaching students how to formatively assess their own learning is key too. Requires metacognition, makes inquiry projects possible. It's hard to engage in self-directed inquiry and investigation without some self-assessment skills #edchat
Yes! The standards; the objectives; the skills; decide what is grade level, what Ss should be able to do during the school year, & that's how u measure. That tells more of the story than a grade. #edchat
@DrKoppNixa Formative assessment is often informal feedback given to a teacher without fear of negative impact on their performance evaluation. Is this the same for students?
#Edchat#EDL709
#edchat Capstone assessments and project based learning can be very successful and still tell the teacher and the students what students have successfully learned.
I definitely think my students see constructive feedback as "negative" instead of a growth opportunity. Working to change their mindset! #edchat#EDL709
There’s always room for improvement. I don’t think teaching is ever 100% being as there are so many different types of learners. It can come close but there’s always room for improvement. #edchat
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby
#edchat Of course keep modeling, but also provide applications for the knowledge. If a student can apply it or teach it to others, their thinking becomes less right v wrong.
In reply to
@jtalburt, @AshleyFelton5, @ShiftParadigm
Formative assessments can also reduce that anxiety of an actual (summative) test or the frustration of being left behind on a topic. We shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes. That's how we really learn. #edchat
I completely agree that there is always room for improvement. I just wonder about less reflective Ts, and we all know there are those who will reflect and those who won't. #Edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @itsmeSpiri, @Miss_Signorello
It must provide accurate evidence of learning and be coupled with feedback to support new learning, but most importantly - to build confidence in both the student and teacher. Students, that they are able to learn at high levels, teacher that instruction works. #edchat
Does self-assessment "count" as formative assessment? Who does it serve? Does it move the learning forward? Does it move the teaching forward? Which is more important? #edchat#edl709
I completely agree that there is always room for improvement. I just wonder about less reflective Ts, and we all know there are those who will reflect and those who won't. #Edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @itsmeSpiri, @Miss_Signorello
When you stop hand holding & start letting real, authentic conversations happen, that’s when the magic begins. Don’t say it if your students can. #kidsdeserveit#EduGladiators#edchat
It's also important to know what to do when the assessment is over... figuring out how to adjust instruction after students didn't get it the first time is challenging. #edchat
That's a great point. Making students feel comfortable in the classroom and in their learning is very important. We learn by making mistakes and helping students understand that and feel comfortable enough to make mistakes is important. #edchat
YES!! You must teach our Ss to #failforward & learn from the mistakes they make in order to achieve comprehension of the topics being discussed. I think this can descrease anxiety. #edchat
From what I observe, teachers informally have students set goals rather often through reflection and self-assessment, but taking the time to be more intentional about it would make formatives that much more beneficial for both parties. #edchat#edl709
In reply to
@DrKoppNixa, @ShiftParadigm, @RArmstrongPE
Interesting observations. You are talking about ethical alignment, i think. If teachers are not intimidated by admin, that is a good sign, hopefully formative assessment is throughout the culture: admin, teachers, students. #edchat
@DrKoppNixa Formative assessment is often informal feedback given to a teacher without fear of negative impact on their performance evaluation. Is this the same for students?
#Edchat#EDL709
We've got to be willing to do our own learning alongside the students. If we're not, or we don't like it, or don't learn through it, shouldn't we reconsider? BTW - great model! #edchat#edl709
I think it should come from formative assessment. When students have a deeper understanding of their own strengths they have greater opportunity for growth. #edl709#edchat
Yes, and hopefully the culture embraces reflection. If not, folks have to work thru the process--but it is worth it for student and teacher success. #edchat
I always thought FA was for Ts to improve their instruction & for Ss to help them identify what they learned or still need to work on. Like a 2 for 1 deal, each gets something out of it #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello
#edchat A3 I think many teachers imagine that they don't have time for FA. In reality, most of us don't have time not to do it. We waste time if we don't know whether our work is effective and useful for our Ss.
I definitely think my students see constructive feedback as "negative" instead of a growth opportunity. Working to change their mindset! #edchat#EDL709
I just find it might make it quick and easier to know who "got it" and who is still on the path. Tech is good...until you have connectivity issues :/ #Edchat
Yeah have used Plickers before and our #physed community took it a step further with the use of plagnets. Very good way for FA. @PhysEdDepot is the man behind plagnets https://t.co/BNfETBnv6j#edchat
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @ShiftParadigm, @mrshowell24, @MrCramer7, @plickers, @PhysEdDepot
Love the two for one idea. If the FA is tied to essential standards another benefit is the increase in learning should be reflected in the state tests #edchat
In reply to
@itsmeSpiri, @ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello
I think a big part of this is how teachers are seen to view constructive feedback…are we all modeling? Do we share w/ students how we’re learning and growing too? #edchat
I definitely think my students see constructive feedback as "negative" instead of a growth opportunity. Working to change their mindset! #edchat#EDL709
I think it says that we are just focused on grades, test scores and results. We sometimes forget that we need formative assessment to get there. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @MrOzarka, @MrCharlesMartin, @DrKoppNixa, @TamiJ123, @sgthomas1973, @blairteach
I often see tchrs use a formative assessment technique but then not do anything w/the info. Also see kids get feedback & not do anything w/it. What happens AFTER FA is most important. #edchat
Yeah have used Plickers before and our #physed community took it a step further with the use of plagnets. Very good way for FA. @PhysEdDepot is the man behind plagnets https://t.co/BNfETBnv6j#edchat
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @ShiftParadigm, @mrshowell24, @MrCramer7, @plickers, @PhysEdDepot
I love letting students make cheat sheets based on their learning. If the cheat sheet makes sense, then they have learned the information, and they don't actually need the cheat sheet for the summative assessment. #edchat
In reply to
@AlexHAlba4, @disseler, @DrKoppNixa, @ShiftParadigm, @RArmstrongPE
Promote a growth mindset at all times. Constantly discuss the power of mistakes. Point out ur own mistakes. If it's easy, we r only practicing what we already know, therefore not growing. #edchat
In reply to
@AlexHAlba4, @jtalburt, @keiswurg26, @DrKoppNixa
It’s impossible for EFFECTIVE Ts to teach without reflecting. Ts need to think about what they did in order to plan what’s next. Reflection allows growth. Growth yields effectiveness. It’s all part of the process. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @itsmeSpiri, @Miss_Signorello
Agree. The common practice must be assessments tied to the cognitive level of the standards, AND valid assessment design. FA is only as good as its design quality #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @itsmeSpiri, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello, @disseler, @stephenkelley85, @blairteach
I like to have students ask for information they want. Before they turn something in, they have to write me a little note to tell me what they would like help finding and improving. That way, I am giving them something they value. Over time, it builds trust. #edchat
It’s impossible for EFFECTIVE Ts to teach without reflecting. Ts need to think about what they did in order to plan what’s next. Reflection allows growth. Growth yields effectiveness. It’s all part of the process. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @itsmeSpiri, @Miss_Signorello
But many of us r boxed into r own classrooms; so the others don't see, although I 100% agree w/lead by example. But how do we get this message to the masses in a way that it will impact change? #edchat
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @MrCramer7, @ShiftParadigm, @MrOzarka, @MrCharlesMartin, @DrKoppNixa, @blairteach
I think lots of teachers are totally on board with formative assessment. I just think that it gets lost in the shuffle of over 9000 other things to do. It's not a matter of not valuing it, but a matter of not putting it higher on the overloaded priority list.
In reply to
@TamiJ123, @MrCramer7, @ShiftParadigm, @MrOzarka, @MrCharlesMartin, @DrKoppNixa, @sgthomas1973, @blairteach
Absolutely, thats valuable info for all stakeholders! Why go thru that & not do anything w/it? What purpose does that serve? How does that benefit anyone? Must be shared #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello, @disseler, @stephenkelley85, @blairteach
Let students know that you, too, need formative assessment. Ask them to let you know how you could have explained a concept/idea better. Let them know that, as noted in the 1 minute manager,"even champions need coaches."&, always let S know their strengths, asset mode? #edchat
#edchat I save work from students and then show it to them in a few weeks, and ask them to praise themselves for the improvement they see. Then they can reflect on the fact that improvement comes from feedback and revision.
In reply to
@AlexHAlba4, @jtalburt, @keiswurg26, @DrKoppNixa
I’ve learned that it’s okay to stand alone. Keep doing what you’re doing. Your goal is to grow even if that means you have to leave others behind! Sad but true reality. I’ve learned that Twitter and your #PLN is the way to beat isolation. #edchat
In reply to
@TamiJ123, @MrCramer7, @ShiftParadigm, @MrOzarka, @MrCharlesMartin, @DrKoppNixa, @sgthomas1973, @blairteach
...would be a very long cycle... lots of variables... difficult to isolate the data... but if could be would be cool. Have you done it? @MrDataGuy#edchat
In reply to
@MrDataGuy, @itsmeSpiri, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello, @MrDataGuy
Do administrators evaluate you? Do pre-service teachers do fields with you? Those are ways they can see it. When you are working with a pre-service teacher or alongside a colleague, those are prime opportunities to tell them why you use that technique. #edchat
In reply to
@TamiJ123, @sgthomas1973, @ShiftParadigm, @MrOzarka, @MrCharlesMartin, @DrKoppNixa, @blairteach
#Teachers + #Educators, what resources or lesson plans have you found to be particularly successful when teaching critical thinking skills? Tag + share links if you can! #21stCenChat#EdChat
I’ve had Ts that were not effective, I learned material my way, for me, by me, I see it w/my daughter, she learns a ton from YouTube videos, motivated Ss know their resources & will learn concept ...just not from ineffective Ts #edchat
In reply to
@MrCharlesMartin, @ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello, @ElemCoach
Mastery learning is an "in-between" option. Students can retake, revise, answer a different question over the same standard, etc. to get points back. Continuous learning. Personally, I rarely put formatives in the gradebook. #edchat#EDL709#growthmindset
In reply to
@blairteach, @ShiftParadigm, @itsmeSpiri, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello, @stephenkelley85
I'm going 2 add 2 this & say we need 2 make noise. Run PLCs in our schools? Run workshops 2 help walk other Ts thru the process? It can't be thru osmosis. It seems there must be action attached. #edchat
In reply to
@MrCramer7, @ShiftParadigm, @MrOzarka, @MrCharlesMartin, @DrKoppNixa, @sgthomas1973, @blairteach
David, great point, relates to the difference between fads and ideas of substance, and teacher overload. We need to do better. I've spent 20 years trying to do better in this area, trying to filter out fads. #edchat
I think lots of teachers are totally on board with formative assessment. I just think that it gets lost in the shuffle of over 9000 other things to do. It's not a matter of not valuing it, but a matter of not putting it higher on the overloaded priority list.
In reply to
@TamiJ123, @MrCramer7, @ShiftParadigm, @MrOzarka, @MrCharlesMartin, @DrKoppNixa, @sgthomas1973, @blairteach
Thank you for hosting this #edchat. I am pretty new to twitter, but our program is helping us to learn and share with colleagues. @ps allows a lot of sharing with other educators and trying ideas out...
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @MrDataGuy, @davidkfreitag, @itsmeSpiri, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello, @AlexHAlba4, @ElemCoach, @ps
Yes. Using common formative assessments I was able to predict student outcomes on the state tests with a very high degree of accuracy. #edchat Marzano and Guskey have also done work in this area.
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @itsmeSpiri, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello
In order to be effective you must reflect on your practice. I just don’t see how you can manage without thinking of what you did and where you’re going. I get life happens but there still needs to be time to reflect. #edchat
Yes. We actually do this at my grade level. I'm thinking in larger terms. Spreading this to other schools. I'm wondering if creating a video of how to do FA to plan might be helpful. Then send off into internet land. #edchat
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @davidkfreitag, @MrCramer7, @ShiftParadigm, @MrOzarka, @MrCharlesMartin, @DrKoppNixa, @blairteach
I put formatives in the gradebook, but update the grade as the student revises and updates. They can see their grade go up as they add knowledge and skills. #edchat
In reply to
@disseler, @blairteach, @ShiftParadigm, @itsmeSpiri, @sgthomas1973, @MrCharlesMartin, @tomwhitby, @jtalburt, @mrshowell24, @Miss_Signorello, @stephenkelley85
Yeah. I agree. Discussing this topic with administrators and colleagues is a great way to spread the use of FA. They may find interest in it and want to learn more about it. If they don't care for it, we cannot force them to use it but that can't stop us from using it. #edchat
In reply to
@TamiJ123, @ShiftParadigm, @MrOzarka, @MrCharlesMartin, @DrKoppNixa, @sgthomas1973, @blairteach
It definitely counts! It serves both the teacher and especially the student. When the students benefit from it, the teachers benefit from it! #edchat#EDL709
