Trusted by 100,000+ Families

Goally Penguin Logo with Sunglasses

Goally

Shop Goally

What is an Informal Assessment?

Home>>Neurodiversopedia>>I Terms

Summary

summary

An informal assessment is a way for teachers to check a student’s knowledge and progress without using standard tests or rubrics. They watch how students perform and grow at different stages of learning, and may ask open-ended questions.

Table of Contents

table-of-contents

Frequently Asked Question

donut

Can informal assessments be used to identify specific learning disabilities or diagnoses?

Informal assessments provide valuable insights into a child’s strengths and challenges, but they are not meant to replace formal diagnostic evaluations. They can, however, contribute to the overall understanding of a child’s abilities and guide further assessments if needed.

How often should informal assessments be conducted?

Informal assessments are an ongoing process, and the frequency can vary depending on the child’s needs and developmental stage. Regular check-ins and observations are recommended to monitor progress, make necessary adjustments to interventions, and ensure that the child’s changing abilities are well understood.

How can informal assessments benefit the collaboration between parents and educators?

Informal assessments promote collaboration between parents and educators by providing a shared understanding of a child’s abilities, strengths, and areas for growth. Through informal assessments, parents and educators can exchange valuable insights, work together to develop targeted interventions, and monitor progress over time, fostering a strong partnership in supporting the child’s development.

image-banner

Scientific Definition

scientist

Informal assessment refers to the ongoing process of gathering information about a student’s learning progress through non-standardized methods such as observation, questioning, and analysis of student work. Unlike formal assessments, which are systematic, planned, and often normed against a larger population, informal assessments are more flexible and dynamic. They allow teachers to adapt instruction and provide feedback in real-time based on insights gained from authentic interactions with students. Research shows that effective use of informal assessment is linked to improved student outcomes, especially for students with diverse learning needs.

Resources:

image-banner

Real World Example of Informal Assessment

Meet Susie, an eight-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, use informal assessment to support her unique needs. Here’s how they do it:

  1. Observing Susie at home: They notice her passion for puzzles, revealing excellent spatial reasoning skills and attention to detail.
  2. Engaging in natural conversations: Meaningful family dinner conversations unveil Susie’s rich vocabulary and storytelling abilities.
  3. Reviewing Susie’s artwork: Her drawings showcase meticulous attention to detail and a strong sense of creativity.
  4. Collaborating with teachers: They meet with Susie’s teacher, who confirms her exceptional memory and ability to connect with various subjects.
  5. Monitoring progress over time: Regular informal assessments track changes and reveal Susie’s growing interest in science.

By using informal assessment, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson gain a deeper understanding of Susie’s strengths and challenges, enabling them to provide targeted support. They celebrate her progress and empower her to thrive in her unique way.

How Does Informal Assessment Work?

Informal assessments are versatile tools teachers use to check student progress in low-stakes ways. Some examples include:

  • Exit slips: Quick end-of-lesson reflections to see what students learned
  • Observations: Watching how students approach tasks to note strengths and struggles
  • Conversations: Talking with students to probe their thinking and problem-solving
  • Journals: Having students write or draw to express their ideas and questions
Informal Assessment How It Helps
On-the-spot feedback Catches misunderstandings early
Flexible format Adapts to student needs and preferences
Engages students Makes learning active and relevant

The key is using informal assessments regularly to paint a rich picture of the whole child. With this insight, teachers can provide targeted support to help every student shine.

 

This post was originally published on May 22, 2023. It was updated on May 25, 2024.

image-banner