A level Biology Formative Assessment Task: The Cell Cycle and Mitotic Inhibitors

A level Formative Assessment Tasks

The assessment tasks have been created to support the Edexcel A level and International A level courses but can be adapted to support other examination boards.
Each assessment starts with a brief introduction to engage the student. Students use their knowledge of the topic to complete the task.
The task includes a guidance of what should be included and an indication to the grade associated with the knowledge, based on level of complexity.
The resources are great to summarise a topic and can be completed in class or as a homework.
Students can use their notes and books for support but the tasks should be answered in their own words to show understanding.
I have found that these tasks:
• Engage students and promote active learning.
• They help students develop their course notes and prepare their revision.
• Enables students of all abilities to progress and gives the teacher a way to access knowledge and understanding.
• Enables misconceptions to be addressed.
• Promotes the use of key scientific vocabulary to support answering examination questions.
How to assess the task:

Teacher assessed
If the teacher is grading, I suggest taking a general approach. If students have attempted each section and the science is correct, I award the higher mark from the section. If not all the information is present or if not all of it is correct, award the lower grade from the section.

Student assessed
Students gain a lot from marking their own assessment or their peer´s. They should be able to justify the grade awarded. This can help develop appropriate feedback.