I then spend another 15 minutes per student reviewing individual results. This is done during the time students are working independently. Informal Assessment Informal assessment is conducted through observation and is prompted by the formal assessment process. Many times informal assessment yields information which has little to do with formal instruction, but rather reveals information about the personal life of the student. This information is important as it may have an impact on testing or may be impacting current class work.
Personal situations can and do impact student performance.
Thus, I find that even when conducting formal assessment, informal assessment plays a very real role. Although formal assessment yields concrete results, it is informal assessment which connects me to the student. It informs me of students' needs and attitudes rather than their abilities alone. I believe it is my role of encourager which drives much of the informal assessment I do within the classroom setting. While working on a group lesson, I will be watching and listening for indicators which reflect involvement and understanding on the part of the students.