1. What are the Best Practices for Using Figures in Assessment?

Ensure Clarity and Simplicity – Figures should be straightforward, labeled clearly, and easy to interpret.
Use Figures to Reinforce Learning – Pair figures with written explanations or guiding questions to deepen understanding.

Adapt for Accessibility – Provide alternative text descriptions, high-contrast visuals, or audio descriptions for students who need accommodations.
Incorporate Student-Created Figures – Encourage students to create their own charts, mind maps, or diagrams to demonstrate their understanding.

2. What is the difference between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments?

• Norm-Referenced Assessment – Compares a student’s performance to a group (e.g., percentile rankings on standardized tests; Popham, 2017).
• Criterion-Referenced Assessment – Measures student performance against a set standard or criteria (e.g., rubrics, proficiency benchmarks; Brookhart, 2013).

3. How do teachers use assessment data?

Teachers analyze assessment data to adjust instructional strategies, identify students needing intervention or enrichment, provide personalized feedback, and inform curriculum development (Guskey, 2020).

4. What is the role of feedback in assessment?

Effective feedback is specific, timely, and actionable, helping students understand their progress and how to improve (Hattie & Timperley, 2007).

5. How do formative and summative assessments work together?

Formative assessments help guide learning throughout a course, while summative assessments evaluate final mastery. Using both ensures a more balanced and accurate measure of student progress (Black & Wiliam, 2018).

6. How can assessment reduce student anxiety?

• Provide multiple ways for students to demonstrate learning (Tomlinson, 2017).
• Offer low-stakes practice opportunities (Brookhart, 2013).
• Focus on growth and progress, not just grades (Hattie & Timperley, 2007).