by Susan M. Brookhart
Introduction
The first step in formative assessment is being clear about learning goals.
- For the teacher, formative assessment means clearly conveying what you want students to learn, knowing typical student steps and missteps toward this goal (i.e., the typical learning progression), and using assignments that match the learning goal. The latter is very important because it is in the assignment that you translate the learning goal into action for the student. The student will strive to do the assignment, not the abstract goal.
- For the student, formative assessment means understanding the learning goal and knowing what good work looks like. It's not a goal if the student can't envision it.
Goals for Session 2
- Understand the importance of sharing goals with the students so that they can incorporate the goals into their learning processes.
- Build a repertoire of strategies for sharing learning goals with students.
Preparation