Formative assessment :
Formative assessment is defined as "information communicated to the learner that is intended to modify his or her thinking or behaviour for the purpose of improving learning". It is part of a feedback process in which a learner is able to evaluate his/her response in light of the information received, and make adjustments.
It can be used to :
(a) identify gaps in knowledge.
(b) help novice learners to identify important information.
(c) correct procedural errors or misconceptions.
Formative Assessment is carried out during a course of instruction for providing continuous feedback to both the teachers and the learners. It is also carried out for taking decisions regarding appropriate modifications in the transactional procedures and learning activities.
- '… provides feedback which leads to students recognizing the (learning) gap and closing it …it is forward looking …' (Harlen, 1998) ' …
- includes both feedback and self-monitoring.' (Sadler, 1989)
- '… is used essentially to get a feed back into the teaching and learning process.' (Tunstall and Gipps, 1996)
Formative Assessment is characterized thus :
- is diagnostic and remedial
- provides for effective feedback
- provides a platform for the active involvement of students in their own learning
- enables teachers to adjust teaching, taking into account the results of assessment
- recognizes the profound influence assessment has on the motivation and self-esteem of students both of which are crucial influences on learning
- recognizes the need for students to be able to assess themselves and understand how to improve
- builds on students' prior knowledge and experience in designing what is taught
- incorporates varied learning styles to decide how and what to teach
- encourages students to understand the criteria that will be used to judge their work
- offers an opportunity to students to improve their work after they recieve the feedback
- helps students to support their peer group and vice-versa
In summary, formative assessment allows students to make adjustment to what and how they are learning. Feedback can also be used to make immediate adjustments to what and how they are taught. Comprehensive evaluation would necessitate the use of a variety of tools and techniques. This will be so because both different and specific areas of learner's growth can be evaluated through certain special techniques.
