Atmosphere Resources and Notes

Formative Assessment - Formative assessment is seen as a means to guide students and acknowledge that they are on the right path. Quick feedback sometimes stops important processing that allows knowledge to move from short term memory to long term memory. The formative assessment strategies suggested here are meant to mirror these ideas.

Cooperative groups may pause at each part of the activity to discuss what they have learned and what they are confused about.
Students are checked by the teacher after each part of the activity to ensure that they are on track.
Images and information are posted in the classroom for them to check as they proceed with the activity.

Summative Assessment - Summative assessment is seen as a way for students to assess their total effort. Here are some ways they might do that:

Students prepare an individual or group presentation on their work.
Students turn in their maps with a written explanation of what they learned and are still confused about.
Students use multimedia programs to create a presentation, tutorial, or quiz on their work.
Students keep an electronic portfolio of their work.

Portfolio Plans-- Each student should keep a computer disk of their work. This should include all answers to questions, student original communication, diagrams or images they downloaded, questions they may have about the activity, etc.