Using formative assessment to improve presentation skills

Patel, P. (2014). Using formative assessment to improve presentation skills. Voices from the Middle, 22(1), 22-29.


I like an article that not only discusses a current teaching topic, but also provides solid information on a broader educational topic and extends beyond the original focus. Patel’s article is about how we can assess students’ oral presentation skills, a topic that is currently “hot” due to the emphasis on Speaking and Listening found in the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (CCSS-ELA). We see here an example of how one sixth grade teacher took her students through a unit in which they gave presentations and critiqued the presentations of peers, assessing at every step of the process and using assessments to differentiate instruction.

More than that, though, the article presents what amounts to a primer on how to do effective formative assessment in the classroom. The teacher here utilized multiple assessments, and at every step in the instructional process. The emphasis was on authentic assessments and feedback that facilitated student learning. Peer assessments were carefully scaffolded and were used to improve the presentations. Assessment was transparent to students, and they were part of the process. Simple, clear rubrics were developed and used. All steps and examples were described clearly and concisely, but in enough detail that any teacher could imagine how she or he might implement similar procedures in the classroom. The principles shown here could apply at any level.

I am considering using this article as a text to show my preservice teacher candidates how formative assessment works. This is an area that they often struggle to wrap their minds around. Patel’s article could help them understand that important process better.