Improving Instructional Data & Feedback: Why Sampling Works

TOOLS FOR IMPROVING INSTRUCTIONAL DATA & FEEDBACK

Why Sampling Works

It eliminates "permission to forget." Students aren't asked to try to memorize them during a unit and then tested once. It is information they must recall over and over. They aren't "done" until they can validate that they know them all.
It provides "preview and review." For information not yet covered in the curriculum, it serves as a way to provide students a preview of what's to come. Teachers find that there students have a stronger base of knowledge about a new unit because they've been exposed to some of the basics prior to instruction. It also gives students permission to "work ahead." It also provides a built in "review." Since much of the information, as the year progresses, is covered it holds students accountable for remembering and using the information.
It makes data management easier. Teachers aren't required to continually assess and test the entire volume of information. Sampling allows the teacher and learners to see patterns and trends and evidence of their learning without time-consuming large-scale tests.

In what ways might sampling be used in your school?

Sampling is an effective way to manage and teach information-level items. Examples include but are not limited to: spelling lists, geographic locations, math facts, word wall words, vocabulary terms, definitions, general concepts.

Tools for Improving Instructional Data & Feedback