How do you choose the right online tutoring assessment method?

1 Formative assessment

Formative assessment is the process of gathering evidence of learning during the tutoring session, rather than at the end. Formative assessment can help you monitor your learners' understanding, identify misconceptions, adjust your instruction, and provide timely feedback. Some examples of formative assessment methods are quizzes, polls, surveys, checklists, rubrics, self-assessments, peer-assessments, and portfolios. You can use online tools such as Google Forms, Kahoot, Quizlet, Padlet, or Flipgrid to create and administer formative assessments.

2 Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the process of evaluating learning at the end of a tutoring session, unit, or course. Summative assessment can help you measure your learners' achievement, compare their performance to standards or benchmarks, and report their results. Some examples of summative assessment methods are tests, exams, essays, projects, presentations, and simulations. You can use online tools such as Google Classroom, Moodle, Canvas, or Edmodo to create and administer summative assessments.

3 Diagnostic assessment

Diagnostic assessment is the process of assessing your learners' prior knowledge, skills, and needs before starting a tutoring session, unit, or course. Diagnostic assessment can help you identify your learners' strengths and weaknesses, determine their readiness and interests, and plan your instruction accordingly. Some examples of diagnostic assessment methods are pre-tests, surveys, interviews, questionnaires, and self-assessments. You can use online tools such as Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, Zoom, or Skype to create and administer diagnostic assessments.

4 Authentic assessment

Authentic assessment is the process of assessing your learners' ability to apply their learning to real-world situations and tasks. Authentic assessment can help you evaluate your learners' problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, as well as their engagement and motivation. Some examples of authentic assessment methods are case studies, scenarios, role plays, debates, portfolios, and reflections. You can use online tools such as Google Docs, Slides, Sites, or YouTube to create and administer authentic assessments.

5 How to choose

When selecting an online tutoring assessment method, it is important to consider the purpose of the assessment, the type of learning, the level of learning, the characteristics of the learners, and the resources available. This will help you find a method that is best suited to your context, goals, and learners. You should ask yourself what you want to measure, monitor, or improve; what are the learning objectives, outcomes, or standards; what are the cognitive, affective, or psychomotor domains of learning; what are the backgrounds, preferences, and needs of your learners; and what are the time, budget, and technical constraints. By doing this you can ensure that you choose a method that aligns with your context and goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?