Formatiivisten

Formatiivisten is a term derived from the Finnish word "formatiivinen," which translates to "formative" in English. It is commonly used in educational contexts to describe assessment methods and strategies that are designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning. Unlike summative assessments, which typically evaluate learning at the end of a unit or course, formative assessments are intended to be low-stakes and diagnostic.

The purpose of formatiivisten practices is to identify areas where students are struggling and to adjust instruction accordingly. This can involve a variety of techniques such as asking questions during lessons, conducting quick checks for understanding, using exit tickets, or engaging in peer and self-assessment. The feedback provided through formatiivisten assessments is meant to be actionable, helping students understand their current progress and what steps they need to take to reach learning goals.

Formatiivisten approaches emphasize the process of learning rather than just the final outcome. By continually gathering information about student understanding, educators can make timely and informed decisions to support individual student needs and enhance the overall learning experience. This iterative cycle of assessment and feedback is a key component of effective teaching and learning.