Dear Teachers,
Every teacher knows the drill—assign tests, give marks, repeat. But do marks alone help students improve? Not really.
Here’s how we can assess students in ways that help them grow, without adding extra work for us.
1. Use Exit Tickets (2-Minute Reflection at the End of Class)
- Before leaving class, students write one thing they learned and one question they still have. This helps them reflect, and you understand their learning gaps.
2. Switch to Feedback Instead of Just Marks
- Instead of just saying “5/10”, write: “Your answer was great, but you missed an example. Try adding one next time.”
- Use voice notes on WhatsApp for quick feedback instead of long written comments.
3. Peer Assessments: Students Learn by Reviewing Each Other
- Have students exchange assignments and use a simple checklist (Does it have examples? Is the explanation clear?).
- This saves you time while improving their critical thinking skills.
Quick Checklist for Meaningful Assessments:
- Use at least one non-traditional assessment per topic
- Give feedback in simple, clear language
- Encourage self-reflection in students
Assessments should guide students, not just rank them. The goal is learning, not just scoring.
