Shepard, L.A. (2005). Linking formative assessment to scaffolding. Educational Leadership, 63(3), 66-70. *Used by permission. Learn more about ASCD at www.ascd.org
This article highlights the collaborative processes of scaffolding and formative assessment to illustrate how contemporary learning theories affect teaching practices. The author describes four effective strategies common to both formative assessment and scaffolding to demonstrate the strong connection between assessment and research on learning. These strategies involved eliciting prior knowledge from students, providing them with effective feedback, ensuring they transfer knowledge to new situations, and teaching them how to self-assess. According to the author, a cultural shift in learning needs happen in order for these strategies to by truly effective. A learning culture needs to be created where students and teachers have shared expectations about the next steps in learning.
Action for Learning, Communication, Culture of Collaboration, Professional Development, Skills and Knowledge
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