Assessments can be a powerful tool in education and tutoring sessions. They are used to gather data and information about a student’s current learning levels and progress.
Professional tutors used assessments collected to make informed decisions of where the child is at in their learning. Assessments can be used to identify the learning gaps and assist in tracking a student’s development.
There are three types of assessments: diagnostic, formative, and summative. Even though they are all simply referred to as ‘assessments’ there are differences between them.
Diagnostic Assessment
Are used to identify student strengths and weaknesses. Our tutors use diagnostic assessments to assist in planning targeted learning sessions. Types of diagnostic assessments include pre-tests, self-assessments, discussion boards, and brief interviews of each student.
Formative Assessment
Are ongoing assessments that are used to monitor student progress during a sequence of lessons. These assessments provide feedback to the learner during the instructional activity. It also provides the tutor feedback on their own progress, as they can determine where they need to adjust their teaching strategies to better suit the learner. These types of assessments are most commonly in the form of observations.
Summative Assessment
Are used to make a ‘final’ determination of a student’s achievements. These assessments usually occur at the end of a tutoring cycle, like the end of the term or year. Summative assessments enable students to show their abilities and should cover content the student has learnt throughout the period of learning.
Assessments are excellent tools a tutor can use to enhance the quality of their sessions! That’s why our expert teachers use all three types of assessments to inform their practice and programs.
Are you on the Gold Coast, and looking for a professional tutor who uses assessments to make informed decisions when planning a program? Get in touch with our friendly admin team to find out how our qualified teachers can help your child.
