The use of assessments in the classroom is detrimental in determining the levels of student achievement. Assessments serve as basis for student grades, student and teacher improvement, and gives responsibility of obtained grades to the student. Before any assignment, lesson, test or assessment can be give, students must be made aware of the objectives that must be met, a clearly stated grading policy (ex: rubrics) and the consequences for achieving/complying with the requirements for the grade to be given. Ideally, there are two general categories of assessment that can be used in the classroom:
Formal assessment can be thought as a more “traditional” assessment. In formal assessments students can be either given a test, graded using a rubric for a project or presentation, etc. Formal assessments are categorized as a standardized measurement for determining student grades. Formal assessments can take the form of various methods, dependent on the class content and the overall teacher choice for formal assessments. Formal assessments can be a finished project, in a project-based classroom (Ex: Development of a finished product, website, etc.) or even handwritten tests (Multiple choice, True or False, Essay-based, etc). Overall, the assessments must be in line with the content that was taught in class, relevant to course material, measurable and in reasonable fashion that encourages student success, but requires student’s to challenge themselves. Assessments should not be made for students to fail, but they should not be entirely easy. Whatever the assessment method a teacher chooses to use, it should challenge the student intellect ability and demonstrate mastery of content in concurrence with given objectives.
Informal Assessments, or day-to-day assessment, is a form of assessment that is continuous and reflects the work done on a daily basis. Informal assessments are used, like formal assessments, to measure student progress and to check for understanding. Informal assessments can be conducted in the form of one-on-one interviews, asking questions, observation of the classroom, etc. This form of assessment allows for an instructor to determine were a student “stands” academically and in reference to subject content. For example, if a student repeatedly answers incorrectly, does not produce work, or refuses to do work because of a lack of knowledge in content, then the instructor can use these determinants to best help a student for a possible success in the classroom.
Reference website: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/formal-vs-informal-assessments/
