Designing and Using Formative Assessment in Anatomy

Abstract

Formative assessment is a powerful learning tool providing outcomes for both students and educators. When purposely built into the curriculum, formative assessment provides students with opportunities to practice and evaluate their anatomical learning as the program of study proceeds. Students are able to identify their strengths, weaknesses and the gaps in their learning at a time when there is no academic penalty and, with effective feedback and guidance, have the potential for improvement. For the educator, formative assessment provides them with opportunities to evaluate and modify their teaching during the learning cycle, including the approaches used, the emphasis on particular subject areas or concepts and the pace of teaching and learning. When designing formative assessment, the educator needs to consider when, where and how the formative assessment activities will be included and how best to encourage active and motivational learning. When applied effectively, formative assessment should lead to developing deeper learning and maximise the learning opportunities for the students and not be used as a simple way of testing anatomical facts.