What is one method of gathering informal assessment data?

Anecdotal records are a method of gathering informal assessment data by documenting observations of a student's behavior and performance in specific situations. This technique allows educators to capture detailed examples of a student's skills, challenges, and learning styles in a natural context over time.

Using anecdotal records, teachers can collect qualitative data that may reveal patterns in a student's interactions, problem-solving abilities, and overall progress in a less structured and more authentic setting compared to formal assessments. This type of assessment helps in making informed instructional decisions tailored to the student's needs, fostering a more personalized approach to education.

The other options listed, such as standardized testing, standardized placement tests, and initial screening assessments, are considered formal methods of assessment. These approaches typically involve structured tests that measure specific competencies or benchmarks against predetermined standards, which may not provide the nuanced insights that informal assessments like anecdotal records offer.