Enhancing Education: How Digital Formative Assessment is a Powerful Support for Parents and Students in Learning

The Assess@Learning project focuses on Digital Formative Assessment to empower students and engage parents in education

Parents’ Role in Digital Formative Assessment: Insights from the Assess@Learning Project

As part of the Assess@Learning Project, a European policy experiment aimed at fostering the adoption of Digital Formative Assessment (DFA) practices in schools, Parents International provided valuable insights into parents’ experiences and views on assessment, with a particular focus on formative assessment. This aligns perfectly with the goals of the #NewEducationDeal and the #ParentsFirst initiative, which advocate for transformative changes in assessment practices to promote real learning and reduce competition stress in schools.

Reimagining Assessment: Shifting from Summative to Formative

Formative assessment offers an opportunity to evaluate students’ progress over time, shifting the focus away from high-pressure summative assessments. As stated in the #NewEducationDeal:
“Formative assessment encourages deep learning and allows students to compete against themselves rather than their peers. This approach fosters real, meaningful education.”

Parents International emphasized the value of replacing outdated methods with formative assessment systems that reduce stress and provide a better understanding of students’ learning progress. This perspective aligns with parental aspirations to see their children thrive in environments that support their overall well-being.

Engaging Parents in the Learning and Assessment Process

Parents International highlighted several key factors for engaging parents effectively in Digital Formative Assessment (DFA) systems:

Diversity Matters: Avoid generalizing parental views. Factors such as cultural background, parenting styles, and linguistic abilities significantly influence parents’ perspectives on education and assessment.
Every Parent Has Aspirations: While parents may engage differently, all want the best for their children. Formative assessment provides an opportunity for parents to understand and support their children’s learning journeys.
Harder-to-Engage Parents: Schools often struggle to involve parents beyond the typical white, middle-class demographic. By leveraging parents’ real-life experiences and expertise, such as in technology or other fields, schools can co-design formative assessment methods that resonate with diverse families.

Technology as a Tool for Inclusive Assessment

The integration of digital technology into formative assessment can make education more inclusive for various student groups. For example:

Special Needs Students: Technology already supports the assessment of children with dyslexia, blindness, or physical challenges.
Non-Native Speakers: Students whose mother tongue is not the language of instruction benefit significantly when they can use their native language during assessments. This also allows their parents to better understand their schoolwork.

Parents expressed their clear preference for the continued use of technology in schools, not only to support learning but also to make assessments more accurate and inclusive.

The Key to Success: Parental Engagement in Assessment Development

The most critical message from Parents International to policymakers and educators considering the introduction of formative assessment systems is simple: engage parents from the very beginning.

Clarity and Transparency: Parents need to fully understand all aspects of the plan and feel confident asking questions or raising concerns.
Co-Creation: By involving parents in the design and implementation of assessment methods, schools can create systems that account for factors beyond academic performance, such as home circumstances that influence learning outcomes.
Inclusivity: A collaborative approach ensures that all parents—regardless of background—are empowered to contribute meaningfully.

Co-created methods can significantly benefit students who may struggle with traditional academic achievements. These methods help uncover and nurture individual passions, whether academic or vocational. As Parents International aptly puts it:
“Our aim should be to raise happy professors as well as happy street cleaners, ensuring children know that neither path is inferior to the other.”

Formative Assessment: A Pathway to Holistic Education

Formative assessment, when properly designed and implemented, offers a powerful tool to support real learning. It aligns with parents’ aspirations for their children’s success, not just in academics but also in life. By involving parents as co-educators, formative assessment creates a supportive environment where students can develop their potential without the stress and limitations of summative assessments.

Parents International remains committed to advocating for policies that prioritize real learning, inclusivity, and collaboration between parents and educators. By leveraging Digital Formative Assessment, schools can take a step forward in creating an education system that supports every child’s unique journey.