Overview
This lecture explains the differences between informal and formal assessments in education, with a focus on their use, procedures, and impact on teaching decisions.
Informal Assessment
- Informal assessments are integrated into daily classroom activities and routines.
- Teachers gather information naturally, often without students realizing they are being assessed.
- Methods include observation, checklists, note-taking, group work, and evaluating student projects.
- Informal assessments provide immediate feedback for teachers to make daily instructional decisions.
- These assessments are casual, authentic, and designed to be non-threatening for students.
Formal Assessment
- Formal assessments follow specific procedures and standardized conditions.
- Examples include standardized tests, diagnostic tools, screening tools, and state or certification exams.
- Results are reported in a standardized format, providing specific outcomes.
- Formal assessments are used less frequently and are not typically relied upon for daily instructional planning, especially with younger students.
- They are useful for diagnosing learning needs or creating specific learning plans.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Informal Assessment — Gathering learning data through everyday classroom activities without standardized procedures.
- Formal Assessment — Assessment using structured, standardized methods and conditions, often for official or diagnostic purposes.
- Checklist — A tool for recording observations or skill mastery during informal assessments.
- Rubric — A scoring guide used to evaluate student projects or performances.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review classroom activities to identify opportunities for informal assessment.
- Familiarize yourself with the formal assessment tools used in your educational setting.