ID Basics: Assessment Strategies

Hi All,

In school this week, we discussed our assessment strategy for our thesis. Personally, I didn't realize there were different types of assessment strategies nor do I remember covering this or having any reference material about varying types of assessments. However, I did some research and learned there are several types. The blog, Question Mark, lays out the types:

• Diagnostic

• Formative

• Needs

• Reaction

• Summative

Carnegie Mellon describes the differences between formative and summative. Essentially the differences is: formative is more of a casual knowledge check while summative is a formal, traditional assessment similar to standardized testing or mid-term/final.

As an ID, I think it's important to know about these strategies and how to effectively use them in my courses.

Your turn: what types of assessment strategies do you use or find are the most effective?