In the educational framework, an evaluation means taking a greater understanding about school performance, through periodic supervision and for which the application of different resources is valid. An informal evaluation is knowing how to use every opportunity within the classroom, to become aware of what is happening within the environment, observing the students, paying attention to them and evaluating their actions.
When a teacher, orders his students to perform a task, or takes an exam either in written or oral form, it is said that he is evaluating in a formal way. Now, if the teacher at the first opportunity and spontaneously decides to address a topic, to find out the achievements or deficiencies of the group, it will be talking about an informal evaluation.
One of the most important techniques in informal evaluation is observation, since by observing his students, the teacher will realize if the students really learned, by observing what they do or say.
The questions asked by the teacher during class is also another informal evaluation method. The teacher will be able to explore by asking questions if the students understood the topic discussed in class. The questions raised by the teacher must take into account certain aspects:
- The objective and intention of the topic discussed in the classroom.
- The questions must be related to the topic of study.
- That allow the exploration and deepening of the content that is being developed.
- Dialogues or talks between the teacher and his students can also serve for the teacher to informally evaluate his students.
- Informal evaluations are therefore improvised, superficial, they are not planned, they are simply based on subjective information. This can be carried out both inside and outside of class.
One of the points against this form of evaluation is its lack of validity, since it is easier to verify before third parties, the evolution of a student, showing their achievements, than to check their general development, where it is possible to think that the subjective part of the teacher can influence. Due to this, it is recommended that everything that the teacher takes into account when evaluating be recorded.
