Collaborative Group Quizzes as a Novel Formative Assessment

While summative assessment can measure individual progress, formative assessment is more like a training exercise than a formal evaluation, and adding a collaborative element offers particular advantages. We have instituted a novel method for quizzes that combines individual student accountability with the benefits of collaborative group learning, thus leveraging these formative assessments as opportunities for meaningful student learning. Quizzes are multiple-choice, with half the points on individual work and half on group work. The group portion uses IF-AT scratch-off cards, which are similar to lottery tickets with five covered answer boxes. Students discuss the questions together, then get instant feedback by uncovering the box corresponding to their collective choice. If incorrect, they discuss further and scratch off a 2nd (or 3rd) box for reduced credit. The pressure in the individual portion of the quiz is mitigated by added points in the group phase earned through fruitful exchanges with other group members. Students find the group interactions highly engaging and the suspense of revealing the hidden answers quite stimulating. They consider their answers carefully, and this focuses their attention on the physics concepts being probed by the questions. Upon completing the quiz, all correct answers are revealed, and each student knows their score. This feedback loop, coupled with the group discussion and the self-correction option, provides a powerful learning experience for the students.