Uncovering Student Ideas Probes

The Story Behind the Probes

Formative assessment probes are K-12 diagnostic questions with answer choices based on the research on commonly held ideas. Probes are intrinsically interesting questions that reveal what all students are thinking, uncovering initial ideas and misconceptions about core concepts and familiar phenomena that students bring to their learning. They become formative when teachers use the information about students’ thinking to plan next steps in instruction.

Now, with the click of a button, teachers can access digital versions of the same probes published in the printed Uncovering Student Ideas series. Available in English and Spanish, the digital probes integrate with Google Classroom and can be used in any learning environment. A fillable PDF for student selected responses and extensive teacher notes accompany each digital probe. Available for purchase separately, digital probes are an excellent add on to the printed Uncovering Student Ideas books.

Page Keeley
NSTA Press Author