What are some effective data collection and assessment tools or methods that you use or recommend?

1 Surveys and questionnaires

One of the simplest and most versatile ways to collect data is to use surveys and questionnaires. You can design them to gather feedback, opinions, attitudes, preferences, or self-assessments from your students, parents, or colleagues. You can use them before, during, or after a lesson, unit, or course to check for prior knowledge, interest, engagement, satisfaction, or learning outcomes. You can use online platforms, such as Google Forms or SurveyMonkey, to create and distribute your surveys and questionnaires, and to analyze and visualize the results.

2 Observations and checklists

Another way to collect data is to observe and document your students' behaviors, skills, or performances. You can use checklists, rubrics, or rating scales to record and measure specific criteria or indicators that you want to focus on. For example, you can use a checklist to monitor your students' participation, collaboration, or problem-solving skills during a group activity. Or you can use a rubric to assess your students' oral presentations, essays, or projects. You can use paper-based or digital tools, such as ClassDojo or Seesaw, to create and manage your observations and checklists.

3 Quizzes and tests

A third way to collect data is to use quizzes and tests to evaluate your students' knowledge, understanding, or application of the content or skills that you teach. You can use quizzes and tests to measure your students' baseline, formative, or summative assessment data. You can use them to diagnose your students' needs, inform your instruction, or measure your students' growth or achievement. You can use traditional or alternative formats, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, essay, or performance tasks. You can use online platforms, such as Kahoot or Quizizz, to create and administer your quizzes and tests, and to generate and review the data.

4 Portfolios and journals

A fourth way to collect data is to use portfolios and journals to showcase your students' work, progress, or reflection. You can use portfolios and journals to collect evidence of your students' learning process, products, or outcomes. You can use them to encourage your students to self-monitor, self-evaluate, or self-improve their learning. You can use physical or digital formats, such as folders, binders, or e-portfolios. You can use online platforms, such as Google Sites or Seesaw, to create and share your portfolios and journals.

5 Data dashboards and reports

A fifth way to collect and assess data is to use data dashboards and reports to organize, analyze, and communicate your data. You can use data dashboards and reports to summarize, compare, or visualize your data from different sources or perspectives. You can use them to identify patterns, trends, gaps, or outliers in your data. You can use them to make data-driven decisions, actions, or recommendations for your instruction. You can use online platforms, such as Google Data Studio or Power BI, to create and customize your data dashboards and reports.

6 Data teams and PLCs

A sixth way to collect and assess data is to use data teams and PLCs (professional learning communities) to collaborate and learn from your data. You can use data teams and PLCs to share, discuss, or interpret your data with your peers, mentors, or leaders. You can use them to learn from best practices, feedback, or suggestions from others. You can use them to plan, implement, or evaluate your data driven instruction. You can use online platforms, such as Google Meet or Zoom, to facilitate your data teams and PLCs.

7 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?