Formative Assessment Probes: Snap Blocks

Journal Article | June 2015

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. This month’s issue covers progressing from parts and wholes to conservation of matter.

Formative Assessment Probes: Wet Jeans

Journal Article | September 2015

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. This month’s issue uses familiar phenomena to uncover students' ideas.

Formative Assessment Probes: Seeds in a Bag

Journal Article | October 2014

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. In this month’s issue the formative assessment probe is designed to uncover students' use of a crosscutting concept—cause and effect—related to germination…

The Benefits of Formative Assessments for Teaching and Learning

Journal Article | August 2010

Formative assessments are usually informal and can range from oral question-and-answer sessions in class to performance events or quizzes. Stiggens and DuFour (2009) state that teachers and schools should use formative…

Formative Assessment Probes: Pushes and Pulls

Journal Article | September 2011

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. This month’s issue discusses the assessment probe "Talking About Forces."

Methods and Strategies: Integrated Assessments for ELL

Journal Article | March 2008

Despite the challenges posed by increased time, specialized vocabularies, and balance, integrating writing and drawing with science investigations is beneficial for teachers and students. This month’s column explains…

Point of View: Assessment and Natilie's Whirligig

Journal Article | February 2012

This column shares reflections or thoughtful opinions on issues of broad interest to the community. This month’s issue discusses assessing critical thinking.

Methods and Strategies: Getting Creative With Assessments

Journal Article | June 2006

There are many creative ways to assess student science learning beyond traditional paper and pencil tests. Interviews, focus groups, surveys, card sorts, and more--the options are plentiful and exciting. Creative…

Formative Assessment Probes: The Daytime Moon

Journal Article | December 2011

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. This month’s issue discusses misconceptions about when you can see the moon.