Effective formative assessment combines purposeful design with responsive practice to create a dynamic learning environment that supports ongoing student progress.
The elements of effective formative assessment
The strength of formative assessment lies in the way design and practice work together.
Design
Effective formative assessment is designed with a clear purpose and a strong alignment with the curriculum. It can take many forms and use a variety of classroom tools to suit different teaching and learning contexts.
When designing formative assessment, teachers consider the:
- aspect of the curriculum that will be the focus
- specific learning in which students are engaged
- point in the teaching sequence when it will be used
- evidence most useful for timely teaching and learning decisions.
Thoughtful design ensures the evidence gathered is meaningful and helps teachers make the most of learning time.
Practice
Formative assessment is most effective when it is deliberately woven into everyday classroom practice. The evidence gathered helps teachers understand their students’ diverse learning needs and informs the next steps in teaching.
By using the right assessment at the right time, teachers can make adjustments to directly shape classroom practice and support every student’s progress.
Supporting teaching and learning through formative assessment
Formative assessment supports teaching and learning by providing timely insights into student progress. As students engage in sequences of learning, formative assessment helps teachers to adjust instruction, respond to student needs and support progress towards the learning described in the achievement standards.
The following instructional strategies can be closely aligned with formative assessment practice to support teaching and learning. They inform decision-making and guide subsequent teaching steps.
Instructional strategies
- Communicate clear and specific goals and criteria for learning to give direction and purpose for both teachers and students, ensuring alignment with curriculum.
- Address common errors and misconceptions during instruction. Clearly identify the next steps needed to improve student understanding and performance.
- Use questioning and targeted prompts to gather insights into how students are engaging with and responding to teaching through
their learning. - Differentiate instruction based on formative evidence to tailor supports for the diverse learning needs within the classroom, ensuring
all students progress effectively. - Give students actionable feedback on their current knowledge, understanding and skills, guiding their next steps for improvement.
- Encourage students to reflect on their learning by monitoring their progress towards learning goals and fostering self-regulation.
When formative assessment is purposefully integrated with instructional strategies, it can help cultivate student-centred learning environments, where teaching is responsive and students’ growth is supported.