Tools for Instantaneous Formative Feedback in the 1:1 Classroom

Purpose & objective

The participant will see how different programs allow for immediate formative feedback by participating as a student, while simultaneously seeing what information the teacher receives. We will explore 3 apps or websites: Socrative, Nearpod, and Desmos. In using Socrative (app or www.socrative.com), teachers will see how not only it can serve as a quick assessment tool or review game, but also how to use the results screen with the class to immediately address misconceptions based on the actual class responses. In Nearpod (app or www.nearpod.com), teachers will experience how students are required to try and attempt problem scenarios, and then how as a class we can anonymously see attempts and discuss different ways of approaching problems and error analysis. Desmos (teacher.desmos.com or student.desmos.com) activities allow students to work together in approaching a situation, and then the teacher can save student screenshots or freeze screens to discuss thinking strategies. I have used these strategies in both the mathematics and science classrooms (both MS and HS) and can be used in other disciplines as well.
I have used these strategies in both the mathematics and science classrooms (both MS and HS) and can be used in other disciplines as well.

Outline

- Intro: Brief explanation of how I use formative assessment in my class structure on an everyday basis, including my grading scale. (2-3 min)
- Socrative (15 min)
----Participants will log in to an active Socrative assessment and answer the questions.
----While they are answering the questions, they will be able to see the teacher screen projected.
----We will then look at how I use Socrative as an immediate tool to discuss each individual question as well as what mistakes a student might have made if they answered differently.
----Quick tips on how to create assessments in Socrative as a teacher.
----Short videos and photos from the use of Socrative in my classroom.
-Nearpod (20 min)
----Participants will login to a session where they will take part in a few of the many different activities that Nearpod offers.
----Short videos and photos from the use of Nearpod in my classroom.
----Quick tips on how to create Nearpod presentations.
-Desmos (20 min)
----Participants will login to a quick Desmos activity, while seeing the teacher screen projected.
----Different features of Desmos will be described, including the pacing feature, anonymous reporting, and snapshots.

-Conclusion: Participants will get a digital resource of different applications of these three programs to freely use in their own classroom. (2 min)

Supporting research

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/tech-based-formative-assessment-monica-burns

https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks/top-tech-tools-for-formative-assessment

https://nearpod.com/blog/formative-assessment-tools-strategies-help-guide-instruction-improve-learning/

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/tips-providing-students-meaningful-feedback-marianne-stenger