Embedded Assessments.

I just got talked about pre-assessments as a way to help plan what to teach and the pacing one should use to teach a topic but we should also look at embedded assessments to see how students are progressing as we cover the material.  

Embedded or ongoing assessment is defined as any activity, assignment, or exercise that is part of the class but which is used to help provide data about a specific learning objective.  It is based on authentic learning because it is ongoing.

Embedded assessments can help provide us with the data necessary to determine what should be taught in the next lesson.  Yes, we have pacing guides, lesson plans, etc but too often we do not determine how much time we should spend on each topic or concept.  These assessments are designed so a student can show their current understanding of the material.  In addition, it is done in such a way that students do not feel as if they are being "tested" because the assessment provides data to show they are learning without the pressure of it being a test and it happens frequently.

Technology is awesome for this because so many programs automatically catch data that teachers can easily monitor to look for the number of students who "got" it and who needs a bit more.  This data can be used to determine which material needs to be retaught or needs to have the time of instruction extended. It also allows you to see how well students are learning during the actual lessons so they can provide real time feedback and make adjustments on the fly.

Nearpod is one such program because it allows you to embed questions in the presentation to check for understanding.  You can incorporate polls, short response questions, and so many other things as embedded assessments.  In addition, it is possible to take previous presentations and use them in Nearpod with a few added questions to make it even more interactive.  There is a free teacher account that is available but if you want more, you can get an upgraded account that allows for more 

Then there is Explain Everything which is one of the programs that can be used to create a screencast on the iPad by students.  You can have students work together to create videos that show their thinking or that could be used as a tutorial by other students.  If students have their own computers, there are other programs they can use to capture a screencast to do the same thing.

Don't forget programs like IXL, Kahoot, Edpuzzle, Desmos, Quizizz or other quiz like program, and others. These programs provide feedback so you can look at individual results or results by the question so you can see who understood and who didn't.  Most of these allow you to choose activities that have already been made or make your own.  

So rather than looking at homework assignments, work turned in that has to be corrected, look more at these interactive embedded assessments to get real time information and whose data can be analyzed later in the day.  Embedded assessment helps you as a teacher teach exactly what they need.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.