Formative Assessment

Assessment is more than just giving grades. It helps students learn and makes the classroom a positive place. I will use Dylan Wiliam’s Matrix of Formative Assessment to create a supportive and flexible learning environment. This approach is built on three key questions and the role of teachers, peers, and learners throughout these stages:

  • -> Where is the student going? – Setting clear goals and expectations.
  • ->Where are they now? – Checking understanding and progress.
  • -> How can they get there? – Providing feedback and support to improve.

In my classroom, I will set clear learning goals and help students understand what success looks like. I will use examples to show what good work looks like. This gives students a clear goal to aim for. I will also check on their progress using mini whiteboards, exit tickets, and quick quizzes. These tools help me see what students understand in the moment so I can give quick feedback and change my teaching if needed. This helps students adjust and improve as they learn.

I appreciate Dylan Wiliam’s quote: “Pilots don’t wait until the flight is over to check if they’re on course, they make adjustments throughout the journey.” I see my role as a teacher in the same way. I will keep checking on students and guiding them so they stay on track. I will also check in with my ways of teaching and change the pace or try new methods to help students learn. I think it is important to be flexible and responsive to create a classroom where every student can feel included and engaged in the process.

I think that providing a forward-focused feedback is very important part of formative assessment. Students need to see feedback as an opportunity for improvement, not judgment. I will provide feedback that guides students on what they need to work on to do better next time. I might also ask students “What they think they could do differently?”. This encourages students to think themselves how they could improve so they stop thinking about just right and wrong answers.

Student Ownership and Peer Learning

I believe students should take control of their learning and help each other. Simple strategies like colored cups (green, yellow, red) help students show if they need help. Another strategy is a “pre-flight checklist,” where students check their work with a partner before handing it in. These strategies help students become more active in their own learning and support their classmates. 

Gamification

Making learning fun is important. I will use gamification to keep students engaged and motivated. When students earn points, badges, or see their progress on a friendly leaderboard, they feel encouraged to do their best. I will use tools like Kahoot! for quick quizzes, set up small classroom challenges, and let students retake quizzes after reviewing their mistakes. This way, students focus on learning instead of just grades. They will see mistakes as a normal part of learning, not as failure.

Formative assessment combined with fun game-based activities can help students stay engaged and involved in their learning journey. I want them to feel safe to make mistakes, know that they have support, and stay curious and motivated about learning. My goal is to give every student the help, tools, and confidence they need to do their best.

Please feel free to navigate through different parts of my assignment here: