Multiple assessment strategies including formative, summative, and authentic assessments should be used to match instructional goals and objectives. These type of assessments should accurately and effectively monitor individual learning progress, and allow students to actively participate in their own growth. Assessments should also be used as tools for pre-assessment purposes and future lesson planning.

Formative Assessments

I use several formative assessments throughout a lesson to gauge student learning. When I taught a novel study to 4th grade students, I would assess them as they read out loud. I also observed them during cooperative learning groups to see if they were comprehending what they were learning. Another formative assessment I used is asking questions. I asked questions throughout the novel to check for reading comprehension and mastery of target skills.

Summative Assessments

I created this summative assessment to evaluate students comprehension of George Washington’s Socks. By analyzing their responses I know where their strengthens and weaknesses are with the content material. I can use this information to direct my teaching of future chapters.

Authentic Assessments

One type of authentic assessment I use with students is a writing journal. My 4th grade ELA students had to keep a journal on George Washington’s Sock’s. Each day I gave them a writing prompt that related to the previous chapter as well as the 4th grade ELA standards. The students enjoyed keeping the journal and it was fun to assess!