What types of assessments are included in the Assess phase of DIDEA?

The Assess phase of DIDEA incorporates both formative and summative assessments, which play crucial roles in evaluating student learning at different stages. Formative assessments are ongoing checks of student understanding during the learning process. They help educators gather insights into student comprehension, allowing for timely feedback and adjustments to instruction. This type of assessment can include quizzes, discussions, and informal observations.

On the other hand, summative assessments occur at the end of an instructional unit, aiming to evaluate student learning against specific benchmarks or standards. These assessments usually come in the form of tests, projects, or presentations and provide a comprehensive overview of what students have learned.

Combining these two types of assessments allows educators to gain a more complete understanding of student progress, strengths, and areas for improvement, making the assessments more effective in guiding future instruction.