How to Collect and Share Student Data from Formative Assessments

As we saw in our last post, formative assessments are a great way to promote brain-based learning by providing ungraded checks of student understanding. We will now look at how to collect data and track and share student progress using formative assessments. Here are some quick, easy ways to record student growth in your classroom:

Clipboards and Stickies

Circle the room with a clipboard to track student engagement and progress during independent and group work. Then, use sticky notes to follow-up with direct, quick feedback to students. If you need to keep your hands free like this teacher, try using masking tape instead of a clipboard. Place the tape on your arm and quickly jot down student data. Then, transfer your notes to a binder or checklist at the end of the lesson.

Class Checklists and Data Forms

To collect data on specific student skills or behaviors, create your own data forms and checklists. Click on this Goal Sheet Chart for an excellent assessment tool that keeps kids motivated. For more inspiration, view these Pinterest pages:

• Student Data Forms
• Editable Student Data Forms

Student Binders and Portfolios

To organize your notes and data, keep a folder or binder for each student. In it, you can note the areas where he or she is having trouble and then reference it to guide your instruction and feedback. Binders are a great resource during Parent-Teacher conferences, especially when paired with student portfolios that show off exemplar work. Here are some helpful links to get you started:

• Student Data Binder
• 4 Free Web Tools for Student Portfolios

Google Docs and Google Forms

Whether students are working in class or at home, you can provide real-time feedback using collaborative tools through Google Docs. Try it when students are in the drafting stages of an essay or research paper, or when they are working on a group project. Here are some excellent tutorials for using Google Docs:

• Google Docs to collect IEP Data
• Using Google Docs for Formative Assessment

Google also has a fantastic survey tool called Google forms that is a quick and easy way to gather student data in a Google spreadsheet. Try out this quick quiz to learn more about using Google Forms.

Cell Phones, Social Media, and Beyond

Looking for an even quicker way to record stellar student achievements? Reach for your cell phone! Snap pictures and videos to document quality work and store it on Dropbox so you can access it from anywhere.

You can upload these pictures and videos to your classroom blog, newsletter, website, or Facebook page to highlight student growth and easily share data with parents… just make sure to get permission from parents and the school!

For more creative ideas about formative assessments and analyzing and collecting student data, check out our course,Better Teaching and Learning with Formative Assessment.