Use Case: Formative

  • Testing Probabilistic Intuition Using Thousands of Trials in a Digital Environment

    Students are directly engaged through hands-on coding and experimentation in R, rather than passively receiving information. They create simulations, run trials, visualize outcomes, and dynamically explore probabilistic concepts, thus becoming deeply embedded in their own learning process.

  • Using LMS Platforms and Discipline-Specific Digital Tools that Have Peer Assessment Features

    Maria Tackett, a professor of statistical science, employs peer assessment as a part of her overall statistics course structure the utilizes a self-created website and a GitHub repository. As a part of students’ main team project, they review other team’s projects and leave feedback directly within GitHub. Dr. Tackett uses GitHub and RStudio so that…

  • Using Online Quiz Tools to Assess Prior Knowledge

    Professor Kimberly Jackson uses Chem Quiz to assess how students are progressing and determine any gaps in instruction that she can address. Professors address specific learning needs, adjust pace, and provide supportive pathways when necessary. This knowledge informs the course content, helping professors address specific learning needs and and provide supportive pathways when necessary.

  • Using Quiz Tools to Offer Frequent Opportunities for Practice

    Professor Kimberly Jackson uses Canvas combined with Aktiv Chemistry to provide daily and pre-class quizzes for her students. Depending on the course, students can earn tokens by taking daily quizzes, which can be used to retake “Mastery Quizzes,” or can earn participation tickets. 

  • Question Embedded Videos with Low- to No-Stakes Assessment

    Professor Binyomin Abrams started the Abrams Research Group, which provides question-embedded videos for K-12 and college-level science education. Questions on foundational concepts are embedded at key points throughout Abrams Research Group videos for students to informally assess their understanding of the material.

  • Automated Formative Assessments to Give Timely and Targeted Feedback

    Professor Kimberly Jackson and her colleagues use auto-graded practice tests in Canvas and ALEKS. Students can receive immediate feedback, rather than waiting on their professor to grade the quiz and offer feedback. The immediacy of feedback allows students to quickly identify which concepts they will need to revisit before the exam.