Assessment is a powerful component in student learning. It is also a powerful component in teacher instructional decision making. In the book Classroom Assessment Essentials, author Susan M. Brookhart shares the following possible instructional moves to take based upon the results of student assessment. These are noted from least formative to most formative (p. 70):
- Evaluative response with no student participation. The teacher goes over the assessment with students and moves on to the next task.
- Descriptive response with no student participation. The teacher describes the tasks again and moves forward with instruction.
- Descriptive response with minimal student participation. The teacher shows students how to complete tasks and repeats instruction of prior material. Students are assigned additional work related to the task.
- Descriptive response with student participation. Students are asked to help demonstrate how to approach tasks. Classroom discussion is held. Reteaching takes place. Additional background knowledge is built. Students have opportunities to apply what they are learning.
- Descriptive response with students constructing meaning. The task or assignment is deconstructed in cooperation with students. Students revise their work. Differentiated instruction is implemented. Students have some choice in how to demonstrate their thinking and learning.
As you prepare for next week, think about how you might use these or other follow-up methods after student assessments to inform your instructional practices. You and your students will be glad you did!
Phil Harrison Coaching 