Classroom Assessment & Formative Research

"Classroom Assessment is a simple method faculty can use to collect feedback, early and often, on how well their students are learning what they are being taught. The purpose of classroom assessment is to provide faculty and students with information and insights needed to improve teaching effectiveness and learning quality. College instructors use feedback gleaned through Classroom Assessment to inform adjustments in their teaching. Faculty also share feedback with students, using it to help them improve their learning strategies and study habits in order to become more independent, successful learners.... Classroom Assessment is one method of inquiry within the framework of Classroom Research, a broader approach to improving teaching and learning." (Angelo & Cross, 1991)

“Assessment is the systematic collection of information about student learning and the use of that information to improve the learning and teaching process in the classroom, department and general education programs.”

Caveat

Assessment of student learning is not a hard science. It is “action research.” You are trying your best to assess student learning in the time available with the resources available.

From: "Teacher as Grader, Teacher as Assessor: Changing Roles?" A presentation at the California Assessment Institute, October, 2002 by Janice Denton, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati-Raymond Walters College.

The diagram below depicts a model of instructional development that highlights the important contribution of systematic classroom assessment activities.