Science for All: Using Formative Assessments to Differentiate Instruction

Science Scope ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 041 (04) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn McGlynn ◽  
Janey Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Formative Assessments

Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-based Formative Assessment: A Proposed Model for Language Learning Assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Wiyaka Wiyaka ◽  
Entika Fani Prastikawati ◽  
AB Prabowo Kusumo Adi
Keyword(s):  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Higher Order Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Formative Assessments ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Higher Order Thinking Skills ◽  
Learning Assessments ◽  
Proposed Model

<div><p class="StyleABSTRAKenCambria">The integration of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) in language learning assessments has become a crucial issue in 21st-century learning. However, not many teachers are aware of the need to incorporate HOTS in assessments due to their insufficient knowledge and the absence of good examples. Further, there is not much research and literature on HOTS-based formative assessment that can be used as references. This research aims to fill the existing gap by providing a model of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS)-based formative assessments for English learning, especially in junior high schools. By employing research and development design, this research describes the validation of the assessment model. The proposed model of assessment may be used as a prototype for assessing language learning.</p></div><p> </p>

Visualizing chemistry teachers’ enacted assessment design practices to better understand barriers to “best practices”

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam G. L. Schafer ◽  
Victoria M. Borland ◽  
Ellen J. Yezierski
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Formative Assessments ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Specific Method ◽  
High School Chemistry ◽  
Chemistry Teachers ◽  
Assessment Design ◽  
Teachers Beliefs ◽  
Representational Level

Even when chemistry teachers’ beliefs about assessment design align with literature-cited best practices, barriers can prevent teachers from enacting those beliefs when developing day-to-day assessments. In this paper, the relationship between high school chemistry teachers’ self-generated “best practices” for developing formative assessments and the assessments they implement in their courses are examined. Results from a detailed evaluation of several high school chemistry formative assessments, learning goals, and learning activities reveal that assessment items are often developed to require well-articulated tasks but lack either alignment regarding representational level or employ only one representational level for nearly all assessment items. Implications for the development of a chemistry-specific method for evaluating alignment are presented as well as implications for high school chemistry assessment design.

scholarly journals 1132. Professional Development Curriculum for Fellows in Infectious Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S595-S595
Author(s):  
jessica B Wells ◽  
Vera Luther
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Job Search ◽  
Career Paths ◽  
Fellowship Training ◽  
Formative Assessments ◽  
Billing And Coding ◽  
Continued Learning ◽  
Fellowship Training Program ◽  
General Topic ◽  
Training Demands

Abstract Background ID fellowship training demands that fellows must learn a wealth of information to master ID content and become experts in the field. As such, there is often a limited amount of formal curricular time devoted to career development and to the business of medicine. We designed and implemented a professional development educational series for ID fellows. Methods Surveys of fellowship graduates indicated an increased need for training on the business aspects of medicine and careers in ID during fellowship. The primary aim of this project was to develop a professional development curriculum to meet identified needs while still being feasible to implement given all the other topic areas about which fellows must learn. WE developed a 6-part series comprised of: careers in ID, physician contracts, compensation models, and job search (table). Each of the 6 educational activities included pre-reading and a 1-hour small group activity. Outside speakers were utilized in 2 of the sessions. Fellows completed surveys pre- and post- curriculum implementation and also provided formative assessments of curricular activities throughout the year. Results All (n= 6) ID fellows completed the curriculum. All 6 (100%) reported an increased understanding of careers in ID, physician contracts, and resources for continued learning on career paths. All fellows reported that this was a meaningful addition to the existing curriculum. Strengths of the curriculum as identified by fellows were the general topic areas and the interactive format. Fellows identified areas for improvement for upcoming years: expand the session on compensation models, include more information on careers in industry, and add billing and coding workshops. All fellows strongly agreed that the professional development curriculum should be continued in future years. Conclusion The professional development curriculum was a valuable addition to our existing ID fellowship training program. Implementing a professional development curriculum for ID fellows is feasible. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Connecting Activity Implementation Characteristics to Student Buy-In Toward and Utilization of Formative Assessments Within Undergraduate Biology Courses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen R. Brazeal ◽  
Tanya L. Brown ◽  
Brian A. Couch
Keyword(s):  
Student Engagement ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Learning Preferences ◽  
Formative Assessments ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Undergraduate Biology ◽  
Biology Courses ◽  
The Impact

AbstractWhile formative assessments (FAs) can facilitate learning within undergraduate STEM courses, their impact likely depends on many factors, including how instructors implement them, whether students buy-in to them, and how students utilize them. FAs have many different implementation characteristics, including what kinds of questions are asked, whether questions are asked before or after covering the material in class, how feedback is provided, how students are graded, and other logistical considerations. We conducted 38 semi-structured interviews with students from eight undergraduate biology courses to explore how various implementation characteristics of in-class and out-of-class FAs can influence student perceptions and behaviors. We also interviewed course instructors to provide context for understanding student experiences. Using thematic analysis, we outlined various FA implementation characteristics, characterized the range of FA utilization behaviors reported by students, and identified emergent themes regarding the impact of certain implementation characteristics on student buy-in and utilization. Furthermore, we found that implementation characteristics have combined effects on student engagement and that students will tolerate a degree of “acceptable discomfort” with implementation features that contradict their learning preferences. These results can aid instructor reflection and guide future research on the complex connections between activity implementation and student engagement within STEM disciplines.

Adapting Pandemic Practices for the Future: Blended Learning Model for Online Advocacy Training in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-157
Author(s):  
Hadia Awan
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Formative Assessments ◽  
Grading Policy ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Effective Use

The challenge of teaching a skill-based course online, during pandemic unfolded lasting/ground-breaking opportunities for teachers and students of law alike. For the advocacy skills' training course, a suit for dissolution of marriage was selected and training was divided into 12 steps. The pre-planned semester calendar of the University was followed, but in the virtual learning environment (VLE), sessions were held mostly synchronously by using an indigenized blended learning (BL) model. Station rotation (SR) and the flipped classroom (FC) were also indigenized for effective use. Indigenization of BL was done. SR was done by creating stations comprising research areas involved in the trial for dissolution of a marriage. The FC was used to make students learn lectures beforehand, and all simulations, role-plays and activities were done in class. On-spot grading was done on assessment rubrics by using standard observation forms, generated based on extracted principles. All rubrics and standard forms were shared and discussed with students to build trust in the VLE. The asynchronous mode was also used, but only for the sake of supplemented learning. The grading policy was revised, and the curves of summative and formative assessments were flattened. A total of 45 students were trained, out of whom 26 scored A, four A–, two B, five B+, one B–, one C, one C+, one C– and four got F (for not participating at all). The outcome was encouraging. After completion of the semester, the need assessment survey culminated in a hands-on training session for the Faculty of Law (FoL). Participants designed courses using the BL model and found the methodology effective for future use in regular classes.

COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tacettin Açıkgöz ◽  
Mustafa Cem Babadoğan
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Traditional Education ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Formative Assessments ◽  
Competency Based Education ◽  
Education Theory ◽  
History Of ◽  
Competency Based ◽  
Convergent Design ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study aimed to reach a pro on Competency-Based Education (CBE) through the opinions of Educational Sciences experts and to review the literature on CBE. In this study, convergent design, one of the mixed methods research, was used, and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The sample was selected through convenience sampling and consisted of 28 participants. In the study, the documents related to National and International Qualifications Frameworks, history of CBE, its comparison with traditional education, its implementation, and the challenges of CBE practices are reviewed. The findings revealed that there is a conceptual consensus among the experts on the concepts of skill and learning outcome, but no agreement on the use of “competence,” “proficiency,” and “qualification.” The study showed that the experts adopt the most up-to-date definitions of CBE, but it is often confused with Proficiency-Based Education. The study revealed that CBE focuses on the demonstration of competence when considering students’ progress and measures it by formative assessments and that, in CBE, students’ learning gaps are eliminated by supporting them at each stage.

Assessment as Learning in Medical Education: Feasibility and perceived impact of student-generated formative assessments (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
RITU LAKHTAKIA ◽  
Farah Otaki ◽  
Laila Alsuwaidi ◽  
Nabil Zary
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Peer Collaboration ◽  
Formative Assessments ◽  
Deep Dive ◽  
Assessment As Learning

BACKGROUND Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a vital competency, desirable to sustain lifelong learning in health professions education. Contemporary education practices emphasize this aspect of undergraduate medical education through innovative designs of teaching and learning like the flipped classroom and team-based learning. Assessment as learning (AaL) can be a unique way to inculcate SRL through active learning habits. It charges the student to create formative assessments reinforcing student-centered deep learning, and critical thinking. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore, from the learners’ perspective, the feasibility and perceived learning impact of student generated formative assessments. METHODS The study relied on a convergent mixed methods approach to research. An educational intervention was deployed on a cohort of students in the second year of a six-year undergraduate medical program as part of a single course curriculum delivery. This AaL intervention engaged students in generating assessments using peer-collaboration, tutor facilitation, and feedback. Quantitative and qualitative data of student perceptions were collected through a survey. Quantitative survey data was analysed using SPSS. Qualitative inputs underwent thematic analysis. RESULTS Students’ overall score of satisfaction with the AaL educational intervention was 84%. On quantitative analysis, this was strongly correlated with scores for ease and impact on a 5-point Likert-type scale. The themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis, included: prominent characteristics, immediate gains, and expected long-term benefits of their engagement. The prominent characteristics included individuals’ engagement, effective interdependencies, novelty, and time requirement. The identified immediate gains highlighted increased motivation, and acquisition of knowledge and skills. The expected long-term benefits, included critical thinking and problem solving, and clinical reasoning. CONCLUSIONS As a form of AaL, student-generated assessments were perceived as viable, constructive, and a stimulating educational exercise by the student-authors. In the short term, the activity provided students a fun, challenging opportunity to deep dive into the content, be creative in designing questions, and improve exam-taking skills. In the long-term students expected an enhancement of critical thinking, and inculcation of student-centred attributes of self-regulated lifelong learning and peer collaboration, vital to the practice of medicine.

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