Using Google Forms as a Tool for Formative Assessment

Michael WestwoodOhio University CALL Conference

2014

What is formative assessment?

• “Assessment is formative when teachers use it to check on the progress of students, to see how far they have mastered what they should have learned, and then to use this information to modify their future learning plans” (Hughes, 2003, p. 5).

• Methods might include informal quizzes, self assessment, observation, etc.

What are the benefits?• It provides a quick snapshot of students’ grasp

of material. • Formative assessment can take place after

each major teaching point to help teachers recognize areas of confusion.

• Small problems can be addressed before they become major ones.

Touching on Affective Issues• In addition to providing information about

student progress, formative assessment can also provide insight into other areas (i.e. student enjoyment of activities, whether pacing and workload are appropriate).

• It can be anonymous, providing students a forum for raising concerns or questions they might not feel comfortable addressing publicly.

• Formative assessment can improve student/teacher relationships by providing students with a forum for addressing grievances prior to end of course surveys.

Why Google Forms?• Digital formative assessment can save time

and resources.• Google accounts are common.• Google Forms are free.• Google Forms are easy to create, share, and

adapt.• Google Forms are reusable.

What are the steps?

Step 1: Create a Google Account

Step 2: Log in.

Step 3: Click the “Apps” boxes.

Step 4: Click “Drive”.

Step 5: Click on “Create”.

Step 6: Click on “Form”.

Step 7: Choose a template.

Step 8: Add Questions

Step 8: Click “Done”.

Step 9: Choose your options.

Step 10: Send your form.

Step 11: Check your results.

Step 12: Delete results and reuse form.

References

Hughes, A. (2003). Testing for language teachers. (2nd ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.