Formative assessment is one of the most powerful instructional strategies, supporting learning at every stage—from activating prior knowledge to monitoring progress and guiding future learning. In this session, participants will engage in a blend of theory and hands-on activities to explore practical, effective ways to assess understanding and give meaningful feedback. The focus is on simple, impactful strategies that build a clearer picture of student learning and support responsive teaching.
​The new edition of the course “Effective formative assessment and feedback management in education​” took place in Tenerife  from 03/08/2025 to 09/08/2025. The participants came from Italy with Paolo Anderle, Elena Cosser, Jessica Nicolussi, Sonia Pallaoro, Maria Cristina Viola and Silvana Scarduelli  from  IC Vigolo Vattaro, Italy.  
The course began by activating participants’ prior knowledge of formative assessment. They were invited to share what they already knew about the topic, along with their personal learning intentions for the training week. The first topic explored was the assessment cycle, with a focus on distinguishing between formative and summative assessment. Through group brainstorming and interactive digital quizzes, participants revisited the key differences between the two approaches, identifying their purposes and main characteristics. This opening session also provided a valuable opportunity for participants to share challenges, raise questions, and express any doubts related to assessment practices.
Feedback, one of the most challenging yet essential formative assessment strategies, was another key focus of the week. Through group discussions and role-plays, participants explored the do’s and don’ts of giving feedback, developed protocols for providing it effectively and constructively, and reflected on the mindset and attitude needed to receive it well. An engaging challenge encouraged them to consider how to foster a growth-oriented culture in the classroom—one where feedback is not viewed as punishment, but as an act of care and a valuable opportunity for learning and personal growth.
Participants continued by exploring the main tools and types of formative assessment that can be integrated into the teaching process. The focus was on effective digital tools that enable teachers to monitor students’ progress and understanding in real time. These tools also support the use of entry and exit tickets—strategies that help activate students’ thinking and prompt reflection on what they are learning.
In addition to teacher–student feedback, it is equally important to create opportunities for students to serve as learning resources for one another. Participants explored practical strategies to foster peer learning and feedback, sharing their own experiences along the way. They discussed the value of using rubrics to clearly display assessment criteria, enabling students to take greater ownership of their learning while also creating a safe and constructive environment for peer assessment.
The topic of self-assessment brought the course toward its conclusion, highlighting its value in strengthening both students’ and teachers’ ability to self-check and reflect. Self-awareness and self-motivation can be powerful drivers—helping students stay engaged and committed to their learning, and enabling teachers to critically evaluate and improve their own practices. With these ideas in mind, participants engaged in a self-reflection on the training week and discussed their future goals and intentions for putting their newly acquired knowledge into practice.
Discover more about this course at https://www.erasmustrainingcourses.com/formative-assessment.html