What is the Purpose of Formative Assessment?

Formative assessment of teaching can be carried out atmany points during an instructional period, in theclassroom or virtual environment, to compare theperceptions of the instructor with those of the students,and to identify gaps between what has been taught andwhat students have learned. The purpose of assessment isfor instructors to find out what changes they might makein teaching methods or style, course organization orcontent, evaluation and grading procedures, etc., in orderto improve student learning. Assessment is initiated bythe instructor and information and feedback can besolicited from many sources (for example, self, students,colleagues, consultants) using a variety of instruments(surveys, on-line forms, etc. - see classroom assessmentbelow). The data gathered are seen only by the instructorand, if desired, a consultant, and form the basis forongoing improvement and development.

The Teaching Assessment and Evaluation Guide© is published by the Senate Committee on Teaching and Learning(SCOTL),York University www.yorku.ca/secretariat/senate/committees/scotl/ (revised January 2002)