To gauge a students’ progress and understanding of lessons, educators use formal and informal assessments. Formal assessments are systematic, typically being standardized or aptitude-based exams. Students usually study and prepare for these assessments in advance, and final scores may be compared to established standards and benchmarks. Informal assessments are observation-based tools, typically being more spontaneous to get a more natural feel for a student's progress and insight into areas in which they may need more help.
Informal assessments are just as important as formal assessments, as they can help identify potential problem areas during day-to-day lessons, allowing teachers to quickly address them and ensure all students are understanding content.
Informal assessments helps educators:
✓ Understand if lessons are being delivered at the right pace, and adapt if needed
✓ Target student’s specific problem areas
✓ Identify students that may need further individual support and intervene as needed
✓ Plan future lesson plans to meet student needs
Using Game Design for Informal Assessment
There are various tools you can use to conduct informal assessments. The Breakout EDU Game Design Studio is one tool that is perfect for these types of observational assessments, as it can help teachers effectively pinpoint students’ strengths, weaknesses and get a deeper insight into student’s mastery over a lesson or course!
What is it? The Game Design Studio is a ready-to-use teaching resource that consists of a series of Student Game Design Courses and Mini-Lessons that walk your students step-by-step through the process of creating a Digital Breakout EDU Game. Once completed, students can use the Digital Game Builder to create their own game.
How to use the Breakout EDU Game Design Studio for Informal Assessment
First, select a topic or academic area to focus on. Then, assign a Student Design Course to students, which will lead them through the process of game design, helping them become informed game designers!
Once courses are completed, provide clear instructions and establish expectations for the game you wish for them to design. Then, split your students into small groups, so they may work collaboratively to create a game!
Together, students will work as a team to form questions, test ideas, and use backward mapping to develop a game. Educators will be able to observe student communication skills and participation in the group’s efforts. Once the game is created, the final project may be presented and shared with the rest of the class. Educators can assess the final product, gaining insight into the group’s understanding and knowledge of the lesson, based on how much was applied to create the game.
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