Reflection: Perspective of the student

Students are comfortable with summative assessment (SA) because that has been the traditional method, and they have learned to study with this method in mind. If they are successful, they continue to develop skills to perform on these kinds of assessments. They are comfortable with SA. They have practiced and have learned how to be successful on SAs. They have learned to manage their time based on the syllabi; when is the test, when is the assignment due.

With formative assessment (FA), we are asking them to make a change. Changes are difficult for everyone. It can create frustration.

Assessment for the student is feedback. The feedback must be constructive in a way that helps the student gain understanding of their knowledge and how to adjust their learning to meet the required goals. Of importance, is explaining to the student WHY you are assessing them in the way you are (your rationale), and what you want them to get out of the assessment.

College students are adults and intelligent. They want to know that the teacher respects them, and that they are a team. Then, when the teacher explains their rationale for FA and how students can benefit from this method of assessment, students will be amenable to change and engage in a new learning method.