informalprüfung

An informalprüfung is a German term that translates to "informal examination" or "informal test." It refers to an assessment that is not formally graded or does not contribute to a student's final grade. These types of assessments are typically used by educators to gauge student understanding, identify areas where students are struggling, and inform their teaching strategies.

Informalprüfungen can take many forms. Examples include asking questions during a lecture, conducting quick polls or quizzes, observing student participation in discussions, reviewing student work without providing a formal mark, or having students complete a short, ungraded practice exercise. The primary purpose is formative – to provide feedback to both the student and the instructor, allowing for adjustments to be made before a more significant, graded assessment.

Unlike formal examinations, which are usually summative and carry weight in a student's overall academic performance, informalprüfungen are low-stakes. They aim to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes without penalty. This can help reduce test anxiety and encourage deeper learning. The feedback received from an informalprüfung can guide students in their revision and preparation for formal assessments. Educators often use the results of informalprüfungen to tailor their instruction, reteach difficult concepts, or provide additional support to individual students or the class as a whole.