Benefits of Formative Assessment
Green (2019) reviewed the literature on formative assessment and came up with a number of benefits, I summarized them below:
- Enhancing Learning and Self-Esteem: Research by Antoniou and James (2013) and Black (1998) highlights that effective formative assessment plays a vital role in fostering children’s learning. It notably boosts self-esteem and academic standards, especially for lower-ability children. By providing immediate feedback and guidance, formative assessment helps students grasp concepts more thoroughly and confidently.
- In-the-Moment Decision Making and Learning Progression: A common theme in formative assessment literature, as pointed out by various authors including Antoniou and James (2013), Heritage (2010), and Clarke (2014), is the real-time decisions and processes that advance children’s learning. This approach is not just about testing knowledge; it’s an integral part of the teaching and learning process. It involves continual adjustments based on assessment data to tailor teaching strategies to student needs. Clarke (2014) emphasizes the importance of mid-lesson interventions to enhance student work, while Sornson (2012) views formative assessment as a dynamic, ongoing process that informs instruction.
- Empowering Student Autonomy in Learning: The third key theme revolves around the role of formative assessment in enabling students to take charge of their learning journey. Clarke (2003) and Leahy et al. (2005) stress the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel confident to explore and grow as independent learners. This aspect of formative assessment is crucial in helping students develop ownership of their learning process, as it encourages them to think critically and engage deeply with the material.
In essence, formative assessment is a multifaceted tool that not only guides academic progress but also nurtures a positive learning environment. It blurs the lines between teaching and assessing, becoming an integral part of the educational experience that fosters both intellectual growth and personal development in students.