Using formative assessment and social media for effective learning

Abstract

In the interest of improving teaching and learning methods, the use of formative assessment in schools has, over the years, become the focus of a number of research review studies. Several of these studies have also shown how the emerging use of social networking has developed to a point where it has become a useful source that teachers could employ to promote student achievement. This paper addresses a critical view of the current findings and reports how educators want to push both of the fields forward for further developments specific to the realm of education. Some of the key elements presented here suggest that student engagement is highly connected to the teaching styles, assessment practices and socialization influences. Connecting the student’s world to education is a way to support the issue of improving student learning. Due to the dramatic increase in the use of social media amongst today's youth, schools need to embrace these and incorporate them in their education strategies in order to improve the overall teaching process and prepare for life after school.