Throughout my time as a classroom teacher, I collected tons of information on my students like everything they know, where they need assistance finding help and what they do well. However, sometimes working with all that data can seem overwhelming. You can use both traditional methods for assessing students as well as digital tools when using formative assessment strategies to assess student understanding.
Successful formative assessment consists of several components: knowing why you are collecting the data; how to best collect and utilize the data; and, more importantly, how to utilize the data you collect in order to improve instruction and aid student growth. I focus heavily on this topic in my book, EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI, 2nd Edition, specifically the entire chapter dedicated to assessment. In this blog, I will also provide you with several examples of effective formative assessment strategies that can be implemented with or without using any type of technology.
Let’s take a look at the process of collecting and analyzing student data!
Why Do We Collect Student Data?
Gathering information about students isn’t simply about creating spread sheets and checking boxes off a list. It’s a method through which educators are able to learn about students’ current level of comprehension, discover where students do not understand a topic or concept, and identify any incorrect beliefs that may need to be addressed. Data collected about student comprehension can be utilized at all levels of the teaching process (i.e., adapting to student learning needs “in the moment”, planning the next day’s lessons or structured instructional periods, or even planning a large instructional block over a series of days
Each piece of information is designed to promote and enhance student development and to provide a framework for successfully meeting student individual needs. The information collected by you during the course of a school year is critical in helping you determine how best to engage your students, whether you are planning for the next five minutes or the next day, or whether you are planning a series of lessons over several days or weeks. For example:
- Elementary Level
- Middle and High School
The ultimate goal is to support student growth by ensuring every piece of data paints a picture of their understanding and helps guide your teaching strategies.
Assessment Strategies for Collecting Data
There are many ways to collect formative assessment data, ranging from traditional paper-based methods to tech-enhanced tools. More traditional methods might include exit tickets, short quizzes, or classroom observations
Observing students during activities and taking notes – I often had a checklist on a clipboard as a classroom teacher – has long been a staple in education. This method allows for real-time assessment of skills in a classroom setting.
Using Tools to Collect Formative Assessment Data
Teachers can improve their use of traditional classroom methods in many ways with technology.
Digital exit tickets give teachers better access to data to help analyze student progress at the end of class through tools such as Google Forms and free apps, such as Padlet.
Digital forms offer teachers the same opportunities as paper-based forms to conduct observations, however, teachers can create their own forms, organize their findings, track patterns as they happen, and then use the data when it is needed.
Digital tools allow for greater collaboration among teachers, thus saving them time. In addition to using the digital tools to conduct exit exit tickets, teachers can also use them to share data across multiple teachers by creating a shared spreadsheet and sharing it with their fellow educators and other people who support their students’ success.
Success Criteria Leads to Actionable Data
When you are collecting data for students, you want to make sure it is actionable. Defining success criteria is essential for meaningful data collection. You might ask yourself:
- What specific skills or knowledge should students demonstrate?
- How will I know if students really understand? What will I need to see or hear from them?
For example, if you’re assessing a student’s understanding of primary sources in a social studies classroom, success criteria might include naming five characteristics of a primary document and providing examples. By having clear criteria, you can.
- Analyze responses with a focused lens.
- Ensure the data you collect is actionable.
Turning Data Into Action
Collecting data is only half of the equation. The real value lies in how you analyze and act on it. Here are some practical steps:
Analyze Patterns and Trends
- Whole-Class Data: Look for commonalities to guide group instruction. For example, if most students struggle with a specific math concept, plan a whole-class reteach.
- Individual Data: Identify strengths and areas where each student needs to grow. This allows for tailored interventions and targeted support.
Collaborate With Teams
Work with your grade-level or department team to share trends and patterns across classrooms. You can develop grade-wide strategies or form cross-class groups for targeted interventions. Collaboration with teacher teams can help make sure that no student falls through the cracks and fosters a cohesive approach to addressing learning gaps.
Digital Tools that Align with Formative Assessment Strategies
It doesn’t have to be overwhelming to manage student data. You can start small with just one strategy that will allow you to gather usable information quickly, such as using exit tickets in a digital format or using an observation form to collect information on students. It’s important to have established success criteria clearly defined so that you can use the data effectively and make changes that result in improved teaching practices.
