Case
Formative vs. Summative Assessments


Throughout the week I give my students Formative assessments to test their understanding of the skill being taught. Once I give a Summative assessment they fail or score lower than they do on their formative assessments. I have even tried to include some of the same questions on my summative assessments that I used on my formative assessments and they still fail. What can I do to ensure overall success?

Posted on: 10/19/14 | Views: 920
Solution #1
I completely understanding your concerns, especially when you pretty much have given them bits of the summative assessment all week through the formative assessments. I would use the formative assessments to guide my instruction for the following day. If students are scoring 80 or below on the formative, I would take a portion of the following day and reteach. To me, a grade of 80 is not complete understanding and not a solid foundation to build on the following day with new skills.
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Solution #2
One thing I have found to be helpful are study guides or review handouts. These help remind students to study and give them an idea of how to study for an assessment. Additionally, on the day of assessment I perform a very quick review of the content which is about to be assessed and check for any last minute questions prior to issuing the assessment.
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Solution #3
Performance task have been found to be very successful in boosting academic achievement. Give students a mini-lab (no matter the subject) or activity that allows them to manipulate the concepts being taught. It does not have to be an extended activity, but something simple.
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Solution #4
Review what test questions students tended to get wrong. Then have students discuss why they answered the way they did and why the right answer is correct. You can also discuss after formative assessments why the answers are correct to make sure students fully understand and aren't just guessing.
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Solution #5
The word TEST seems to frighten and discourage most students. Give them a quick pep talk before the assessment to motivate them. Remind them that they know the materials on the assessment and that they have seen the material on prior assessments. You could also possibly add an incentive for students who score a passing grade.
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Solution #6
After the formative assessments, flexibly grouping students based on the data could be another solution. If you can see that students are missing questions during the formative assessment, review the questions that students missed as a review or in a small group (if students scored less than the minimum requirement). This will help clear up misconceptions before the summative assessment.
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Solution #7
Going over the material before the summative assessment may be helpful. Also study guides and homework may help.
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Solution #8
I recommend changing the format of the summative assessment so that it is tailored overall to your students' greatest abilities. If students are visual learners have students create models or if they are auditory learners have them create a song.
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