Exam 1: Introduction to Assessment

Correct Answer:

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Formal assessment instruments and informal assessment instruments/strategies are both used to gather information about a student's learning progress, but they differ in their structure, administration, and purpose.

Formal assessment instruments are standardized tests or assessments that have specific guidelines for administration and scoring. They are often used to measure a student's performance against a set of predetermined criteria and are typically used for high-stakes decisions, such as grade promotion or college admissions. Examples of formal assessment instruments include the SAT, ACT, and state standardized tests.

On the other hand, informal assessment instruments/strategies are more flexible and can be tailored to the individual student's needs. They are often used to gather information about a student's progress in a more natural and authentic setting, such as through observations, interviews, or student work samples. Examples of informal assessment instruments/strategies include teacher observations, student self-assessments, and performance-based assessments.

Three examples of formal assessment instruments are:
1. The SAT - a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States.
2. State standardized tests - assessments administered by state education departments to measure student achievement in core subjects.
3. IQ tests - standardized assessments used to measure a person's intelligence quotient.

Three examples of informal assessment instruments/strategies are:
1. Teacher observations - teachers observe students' behavior, interactions, and work habits to gather information about their learning progress.
2. Student self-assessments - students reflect on their own learning and provide feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Performance-based assessments - students demonstrate their knowledge and skills through projects, presentations, or portfolios.