Problems with using real-time formative assessment

Using real-time formative assessment causes stress. Just think about going to a meeting. It is stressful if you have to "perform" in the meeting. Likewise it is stressful for them to have to think and solve problems rather than to sit in class and take notes. It is particularly stressful if their answers are judged "right" or "wrong" and that judgement determines a grade.

We have found that giving a small amount of credit for an honest attempt at answering InkSurvey questions is enough to reduce stress while keeping them on task learning and not gaming the grade (texting answers etc).