Assessments do not need to be concrete pieces of paper or projects to be used to inform you of their understanding. It is best to use a variety of informal and formal assessments. When planning for an inquiry or project-based experience it is important that you plan out what you would like to assess. Once that has been decided you can move on with looking at what tools will work best in the given situation. Remember that the children will be active participants and guide where the learning will go so you will need to include them in understanding what assessments will look like.
Some assessment formats that could be used by the teacher in the room include:
- Checklists
- Anecdotal Notes - from observations or talking and asking questions
- Pictorial or Written representations from the students
- Documentation
- Pictures, videos or voice recordings
- Journal reflections
Some assessments formats that could be utilized by the students:
- Co-create a rubric - using pictures or words with a rating system (I have used a bulls-eye see below) that have I can statements
- Pictures
- Videos
- Peer feedback - using a common language set up in the classroom
- Two stars and a wish - of their own or someone else's learning
- Co-created learning stories that can be reflected on as frequently as you choose
This does not differ from many methods you may already be utilizing in your classroom.