Introduction #
Formative assessments on Kurasa is at the heart of effective teaching and learning on Kurasa Africa. Unlike exams that measure learning at the end, formative assessments help teachers understand how learners are progressing during the learning process.
On Kurasa, formative assessments are designed to support continuous assessment, skills development, and competency-based education, making it easier for teachers to track learning, identify gaps early, and support every learner more effectively.
What Is Formative Assessment? #
Formative assessment is the process of observing, recording, and evaluating learner progress while learning is taking place. It focuses on:
- Skills and competencies, not just scores
- Learning progress over time
- Evidence gathered during real classroom activities
Instead of waiting for mid-term or end-term exams, teachers use formative assessments to guide instruction, adjust teaching strategies, and provide timely support.
Why Kurasa Prioritizes Formative Assessment #
Kurasa is built around the idea that learning happens every day, not only during exams. That is why formative assessment is a core part of the platform.
Kurasa prioritizes formative assessment to help teachers:
- Reduce reliance on high-stakes exams
- Capture learning evidence consistently
- Track progress across strands and competencies
- Make informed teaching decisions using real data
This approach aligns closely with CBC and competency-based education, where progress is measured through demonstrated skills rather than memorization alone.
How Formative Assessments Work on Kurasa #
On Kurasa, formative assessments are embedded into daily teaching workflows. Teachers assess learners based on:
- Strands and sub-strands
- Indicators and learning outcomes
- Competencies and performance levels
Assessment data is recorded digitally, allowing teachers to monitor learner progress over time and build a clear picture of each learner’s development.
Formative assessments on Kurasa are:
- Structured and CBC-aligned
- Easy to record during lessons
- Linked directly to learner performance data
- Available for review and reporting
What Formative Assessment Looks Like in Practice #
In a typical classroom, formative assessment on Kurasa may include:
- Observing learners during an activity
- Assessing a specific skill or competency
- Recording performance using defined indicators
- Reviewing progress at the end of the week
Over time, these small pieces of evidence combine to show clear learning patterns, strengths, and areas that need support.
Who Uses Formative Assessments on Kurasa? #
Formative assessments support multiple users across the school:
- Teachers use them to guide instruction and support learners
- Class teachers monitor overall learner progress
- School leaders gain visibility into teaching and learning trends
- Parents benefit from clearer, evidence-based reporting
This shared visibility strengthens accountability and improves learning outcomes.
Why Understanding Formative Assessment Matters #
Before creating or recording formative assessments, it is important to understand why they exist and how they support learning.
A strong understanding helps teachers:
- Use the tool confidently
- Record meaningful learning evidence
- Avoid treating formative assessment like an exam
- Get real value from assessment data
Once this foundation is clear, teachers are ready to move to the practical steps of creating and recording formative assessments on Kurasa.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Is formative assessment the same as exams?
No. Formative assessment focuses on learning progress during lessons, while exams are summative and occur at the end of a learning period.
Do formative assessments replace exams?
No. Formative assessments complement exams by supporting continuous learning and preparation for summative assessments.
Is formative assessment mandatory on Kurasa?
Formative assessment is a core part of how Kurasa supports CBC and is strongly recommended for effective teaching and learner support.