Let’s Get Creative: Informal Assessment Examples in the Classroom
As educators, we are always looking for ways to gauge how well our students are retaining the information we teach them. Standardized testing and formal assessments have their place in education, but they are not the only way to measure a student’s understanding. Informal assessments can be just as effective, if not more so, in giving us insight into our students’ learning progress.
What Are Informal Assessments?
Informal assessments are any kind of assessment that is not standardized or written in a formal testing format. These assessments can be observations, conversations, quizzes, or projects. They are often created by or with the teacher and tailored to the specific needs and strengths of the student.
Why Use Informal Assessments?
Informal assessments offer many benefits to both teachers and students. They allow for a more individualized approach to learning, as teachers can assess each student’s progress on their own terms. Informal assessments also provide teachers with a more well-rounded view of the student’s abilities and progress, as they draw on a wider variety of sources than standardized tests. Finally, informal assessments can be made more enjoyable and engaging for students than formal standardized tests and can help students take more ownership of their learning.
Examples of Informal Assessments
One example of an informal assessment is a teacher observation. By sitting in on a student’s class participation or group work, the teacher can assess how well the student is engaging with the material and working collaboratively with others. Another example is a classroom quiz, where students are given a short, low-stakes quiz to test their knowledge of a particular topic. This type of assessment can be done individually or in groups, depending on the teacher’s preference.
Projects are another example of informal assessments, particularly those that are open-ended and allow for student creativity. For example, a teacher might ask students to create a presentation or multimedia project on a particular topic. This type of assessment allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the material in a creative way and can be done individually or in groups.
Conclusion
Informal assessments provide teachers with a valuable tool for measuring the progress of their students. By using a variety of assessment methods, teachers can gain a more complete understanding of each student’s abilities and learning style. By incorporating informal assessments into their teaching, educators can create a more engaging and individualized classroom environment that promotes student success.
