Analytic Quality Glossary
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Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004–11, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/
This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions.
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Formative assessment
core definition
Formative
assessment is evaluation of student learning that aids understanding and
development of knowledge, skills and abilities without passing any final
judgement (via recorded grade) on the level of learning.
explanatory context
analytical review
For the
Coursework which does not
contribute to final degree classification, but is undertaken for developmental
purposes. Formative assignments, essays or presentations may be
required of students in order for staff to provide them with feedback prior to
students undertaking a piece of assessed work which counts towards the
student’s degree classification.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) (2009) states:
Formative assessment is used to identify future learning needs and gaps in learning. It can also identify an individual’s support needs. The results of formative assessment will be used to set learning goals and success criteria, and to provide feedback to learners. Feedback should always be direct and constructive, and should provide information to learners on their next steps. To be effective, feedback needs to be given promptly so that learners can take account of it in their learning. This provides motivation, which is a crucial element in helping individuals to become successful learners. Delayed feedback can cease to have meaning to the learner. (SQA, 2009, p. 4).
For Wojtczak (2002):
Formative assessment is testing that is part of the developmental or ongoing teaching/learning process. It should include delivery of feedback to the student.
The UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
(2006) states:
Formative assessment has a developmental purpose and is designed to help learners learn more effectively by giving them feedback on their performance and on how it can be improved and/or maintained. Reflective practice by students sometimes contributes to formative assessment..
associated issues
related terms
assessment of student learning
assessment [of quality]
sources
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), 2006, Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education, Section 6: Assessment of students, Second Edition September 2006, available at http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/codeOfPractice/section6/COP_AOS.pdf, accessed 2 February 2011.
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), 2009, Guide to Assessment, November 2009 edition, Glasgow, Scottish Qualifications Authority, available at http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/GuideToAssessment.pdf, accessed 3 February 2011.