Assessments can be challenging. A good assessment can feel difficult- not for students, but for teachers- because it leads to figuring out what's next. Do we feel ready to move forward? Would a different path be better for our students? Or, perhaps more likely, which students are ready to move forward and which need to be guided in a different direction?

Online learning environment further adds to the problem. As teachers, we have to find a way to assess student learning and provide feedback with a real human connection.

To help teachers utilize assessments in the virtual classroom, here are some ideas:

Tip 1: Start off the class by asking students about their work the previous day

The marginal minutes at the beginning or end of class can be incredibly fruitful for finding out what kids remember. While students are settling in, ask them a quick question about the previous day's work.

Tip 2: Use polls and quizzes to gain a quick insight 

Many classes use these tools daily, so formative assessments are quick. It allows teachers to view their students' responses and determine their progress both individually and collectively.

Tip 3: Ask students to identify the point that is most unclear

It's sometimes helpful to see if students understand why something is incorrect or why a concept is hard. During the lesson ask the students to identify the "muddiest point"- where things become difficult, or where they remain unclear.

Tip 4: Consider using visual art as an assessment tool

Use visual art, photography, or videography as an assessment tool. In whatever way students demonstrate their learning, they may find that this assessment helps them synthesize their learning.

Tip 5: Ask students to self-assess and pick their own trouble spots

Your students can choose a trouble spot from three or four areas where you think the class should improve, and you can write them down in separate columns on a whiteboard.

Your first priority as a teacher should be finding the best method of communication with your students. It is challenging for both new and experienced teachers to keep their students engaged in virtual classes. The best solution is to constantly upgrade your skills as a teacher by attending workshops and courses.

You can smartly assess the progress of your students by joining us for a workshop on how to design formative and summative assessments and formulate strategies. This two hour workshop is designed to give Pre-primary, Primary, and High School Teachers a deeper insight into formative and summative assessments and how to design them effectively.

Register for the workshop here.