Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is critical in online programs. I am aware of the need to be using such assessment to better understand my students' ongoing progress; thus I am able to modify lessons to improve from assessment results. The value of formative assessment programs are noted in randomized control trials (BMC Med Educ, 2014).
Reference
Palmer, E., & Devitt, P. (2014). The assessment of a structured online formative assessment
program: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Med Educ. 14:8.
Sara,
Five week courses are tough!!! By the time students and the instructor develop a connection the course is over. You really must provide feedback quickly. On the other hand, it is important students know they have to be quick also!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sharon,
I also teach five week courses; they're fully online. I provide feedback within 24-72 hours. I recommend the same practice to all of my online faculty members.
Sara
Sharon,
In a five week session doesn't give your students much time to procrastinate. You have to really work at providing good formative feedback for students to improve. You really do have a good strategy to do that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Heidi, I would agree with you. I teach in five week sessions online and formative assessment it critical. In a five week session there is so little time to lose that, I find that I often touch base with students by providing feedback on drafts of homework and using the discussion boards to ensure that the students understand the concepts.
Heidi,
You make a great point that many instructors are aware; and that is the importance of using formative assessment as a way to improve teaching. That is a part of assessment also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
