Formative Assessment Teacher Guide
Short checks are most useful when they reveal the reasoning a learner is using, not only whether a final answer is correct.
Diagnostic questioning
Ask a prediction before teaching, then ask what evidence would change the prediction. Use “which statement is best and why?” to make alternatives visible. For mathematics and science, request a diagram, estimate or unit before the calculation.
Exit ticket
One idea I can explain; one step I still question; one example that would test the idea.
Misconception check
Present two plausible answers and ask learners to defend one. The explanation often shows more than the choice.
Quick activity
Pairs sort examples and non-examples, then write the feature that separates the groups.
Adjust difficulty
Keep the concept constant while changing numbers, representation, context or independence.
Examples across the library
For friction, ask learners to draw force arrows before naming the direction. For electricity, remove one circuit path and ask what changes. For separation, give a mixture and require a method plus the property it uses.
After the check
Sort responses by the next teaching move: ready to extend, needs a representation, needs vocabulary, or needs a worked example. Recheck the same idea in a new context rather than repeating the identical question.