Assessment Strategies for Student Learning.

Formative assessment - In-class; takes the pulse of the class; not high stakes; helps students learn or helps students reinforce what they have learned

Summative assessment - takes place at the end of the course; usually graded and therefore high stakes.

Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs for short)

• in-class exercises that helps instructors teach or reinforce a concept in class
• collects feedback during class
• provides gauge for instructors on what students have learned in class (met learning outcomes).  Indirectly, it helps us reflect on our teaching strategies and strengthen our teaching skills.
• for single-session classes, CATs can serve both as formative and/or summative assessments (for that session).