When it comes to measuring a student’s progress, there are two main types of assessments: formal and informal. Formal assessments are typically standardised tests that measure a student’s knowledge and skills against a predetermined set of standards. Informal assessments, on the other hand, are more relaxed and flexible, and can take the form of quizzes, class participation, observations, and more. In the context of tutoring, informal assessments are often the better choice for several reasons.

Firstly, informal assessments provide immediate feedback to both the student and the tutor.

This allows for quick adjustments to be made to the teaching approach, and helps to ensure that the student is able to grasp the material before moving on to more difficult concepts. Formal assessments, on the other hand, can take weeks or even months to receive feedback, making it difficult for the tutor to identify areas of weakness in the student’s understanding.

Secondly, informal assessments can be more engaging for the student,

This is because they allow for more interaction and collaboration between the student and the tutor. This can lead to a more positive learning experience, and can help to build a stronger relationship between the two. Formal assessments, on the other hand, can be intimidating and stressful, and can lead to a negative experience for the student.

Thirdly, informal assessments can be customised to meet the unique needs of each student.

This is especially important in tutoring, where each student has different learning styles and abilities. Formal assessments are often standardized and one-size-fits-all, which can be a disadvantage for students who struggle with certain aspects of the test.

Overall, a tutoring approach that uses informal assessments is more effective than one that relies solely on formal assessments. By providing immediate feedback, engaging the student, and customizing the approach to meet the student’s needs, informal assessments can help students to achieve their full potential.

If you’re looking for a tutoring approach that uses informal assessments, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your full potential.