What are “real-time assessments” as defined by DIDEA?

Real-time assessments, as outlined by DIDEA, focus on providing immediate feedback on student performance during lessons. This type of assessment allows educators to gauge understanding and skills in the moment, enabling them to make timely instructional adjustments if necessary. Such immediate feedback is crucial for enhancing learning outcomes, as it helps students identify areas where they may need additional support right away, rather than waiting until the end of a term or unit.

Real-time assessments differ significantly from those conducted at the end of the semester, which do not offer the opportunity for instant feedback and adjustments to teaching strategies. They are also distinct from assessments designed specifically for parent-teacher conferences, which typically summarize student performance over a longer period rather than providing on-the-spot evaluations. While assessments executed at random times during a course can offer insights, the essence of real-time assessments lies in their integration with ongoing instruction, ensuring that feedback is relevant and immediate.