Tools and Techniques for Effective Formative and Summative Assessments

Embracing Real Learning Beyond Pen and Paper

- Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi

The assessment process has never been an isolated activity of teaching and learning, but with the onset of NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework2023, the emphasis has been laid on shifting from mainstream pen paper assessment to more comprehensive, continuous and child centered assessment processes.

As educators, we now need to look for and adopt alternate tools of assessment that not only reflect the outcomes of learning but also infuse joy in learning. Let me share some effective techniques and tools I have found valuable in my classroom and how these have positively influenced my students' growth.

1. Checklists Simple Yet Powerful

Checklists can be a plainlooking tool, yet in their usage with consideration, they turn out to be an effective way of formative assessment. I recall creating a plain checklist of language development abilities for my preschoolers such as "Can identify sounds," "Can narrate short stories," "Can name colours," etc. This assisted me in viewing improvement over weeks without causing undue stress for the learners.

How to apply it effectively:

Create ageappropriate and outcomebased indicators. Use it regularly to monitor progress. Show it to parents at PTMs for fruitful discussions.

Checklists are magic when consistently applied. They facilitate the highlighting of strong points and the identification of where children require subtle guidance, as opposed to bluntly marking them or grading them.

2. Rubrics Clear Criteria Fair Evaluation.

Rubrics give a guided assessment structure. Whether you are assessing a science project, a piece of artwork or an impromptu storytelling session, rubrics make it clear what is expected. I frequently engage students in coconstructing rubrics. This exercise makes them feel more invested and encourages them to better understand quality work.