Assessment philosophy From what principles and values do you approach assessment? Assessment is an essential part of both teaching and learning. It provides educators with an understanding of student learning and development, to determine whether or not learning outcomes and educational goals are successfully being met. Educators must therefore take an active role in making decisions about the purpose of assessment and the content to be assessed to ensure “assessment is ‘built-in’ to the curriculum and the classroom experience, and not something that is just ‘bolted-on’ at the end of a learning episode” (Readman & Allen, 2013, p. XVIII). If they are to gain a clear understanding of where students are in terms of their learning, what levels they are expected to be at, and which methods of teaching and learning provide the best means of achieving maximum student performance (Department of Education and Training, ACT, 2011). This equips educators with the required knowledge and skills to effectively plan and alter instructional practices and tasks to accommodate the individual learning needs and abilities of all students to successfully improve educational outcomes (Popham, 2009; Darling-Hammond, Rustique-Forrester & Pecheone, 2005). Moreover, it assists educators in developing a healthy attitude towards assessment, thereby enhancing their assessment literacy “to fulfil their role as advocates for learning” (Popham, 2009 as cited in Readman & Allen, 2013, p. 12). Not only does
Assessment plays a significant role in the learning experience of students. It determines their progression through their programmes and enables them to demonstrate that they have achieved the intended learning outcomes. It is assessment that provides the main basis for public recognition of achievement, through the awarding of qualifications and/or credit.
In my point of view assessment is a testing tool by which a teacher or assessor can use to detect the outcomes of teaching, learning or assessment process with the learners by
In 1989 a group of voluntary researchers named the Assessment Reform group (ARG) were formed by the British Educational Research Association (BERA). The group had the task to take account of relevant research and evidence in regards to assessment for policy and practice. In 1996 BERA’s support ceased and was taken over by the Nuffield Foundation till the ARG dissolved in 2010. It was in 1996 that the foundation funded Paul Black and Dylan Wiliam members of the ARG to review literature on the use of assessment to help with learning. As a result, evidence was found that ‘formative assessment’ could help to improve learning and the findings were published under the title ‘Inside the black box’. The ARG was one of significant influences on the design of Scotland’s Assessment is for Learning (AfiL) initiative which aimed to develop assessment in learning in Scottish schools. This essay will discuss and explore how effective formative assessment of pupils’ progression can be carried out.
Sandra is sixty years old, she was diagnosed with dementia three years ago, however last year she suffered a massive stroke which affected her right side leaving her unable to use her right arm and leg which has left her having to use a wheelchair, Sandra is also suffering from depression which she takes antidepressants for. Sandra lives at home with her husband Michael who is sixty-five years old, they also have two children called Louise and Laura. Louise lives in Australia and worries about her mother not receiving the help she needs, she thinks that her mother should go into a care home, Laura lives close and
Assessment, both formative and summative, plays a significant part in the learning experience as it determines progression and enables learners to demonstrate that they have achieved their desired learning outcomes.
Assessment is a valuable tool to measure students learning and achievement. It is an essential element for teacher to reflect on what and how they teach. To assess students is to collect evidence of their learning. Teachers use the information to modify their lesson plans and adjust their instructional methods; students need feedback on their performance to concentrate on their vulnerable areas. Assessment is necessary for parents to reinforce their children strength and assist them where extra attention is required. The data collected will inform school
My personal philosophy of assessment consists of several components. The first component is that both formative and summative assessment belong in the classroom. The second component is that, although teachers should teach what is on the STAAR tests, they should try to avoid just “teaching to the test” the entire year. I also believe that different forms of assessments should be used throughout the year. Finally, I believe that assessments should always be structured in a way that is fair to the students, and addresses all learning styles. Overall, tests belong in the classroom, but should not be the focus of instruction and should be fair for all students.
Assessments should contribute to a student’s education and learning by including students in the learning process educators are able to assist and extend students learning (SCSA, 2014).
Assessment is carried out to ensure that learning has taken place. This is used to measures the learner’s knowledge and skills in their chosen area of learning. Assessment can be used to encourage learners to ask questions on anything they have not understood, learners at some point will have to know that they will have to prove their knowledge and understanding to the standards of the awarding body.
The function of assessment in learning and development is to provide a measurable way of planning and supporting students’ progress. Assessment is carried out by means of checks and tests carried out throughout the course. Assessors should provide feedback throughout ensuring that learning is occurring and the learner is at the correct level. It is also important that assessor’s decisions are also consistently reviewed and internally and externally verified.
Assessment provides information to support the planning of effective learning experiences. By assessing my students I will understand better what they know and can do, so I can further extend their learning where they are already accomplished or I can support the areas which need work. Assessment is also useful as a diagnostic tool (McConney 2015 pp1) when it comes to learning problems and also giftedness in students, so that they can then be better provided for.
Assessment is often thought of as a punitive exercise. But the purpose of assessment is to ensure that students meet specific standards of progress and to rectify learning deficits before a child falls too far behind. Assessment can also identify a child's strengths as well as his or her weaknesses. As well as comparing the child's performance with his or her peers, the teacher can assess specific learning needs, learning styles, interests, aptitudes, and other critical components of the child's developing learning personality.
2. GIVING FEEDBACK = Verbal feedback, Written Feedback.{Try to be positive, Don’t be negative candidates find this demoralising}
Education is a field that is constantly evolving and as teachers it is important that changes are made to be as effective as possible. Curriculum mapping, planning, and assessment building have been topics at the forefront of many conversations in the field of education. As teachers have become smarter about their field, they have made instructional and assessment changes that benefit students learning needs. The assessment practices we use in the classroom should be used to promote student learning (McTighe & O’Connor, 2005). As educators it is important that the goals we have are used to support the learning in all students. Providing students with quality assessments can help students be successful in the learning process
It is said that effective teacher will use both assessment and evaluation regularly to improve student learning and to guide instruction. Indeed, both have pivotal roles in the teaching-learning process yet, somehow they do differ in many ways. Assessment and evaluation measure whether or not learning and/or learning objectives are being met. One could look at assessment and evaluation as the journey (assessment) versus the snapshot (evaluation). (Sue Watson, 2009) Assessment requires the gathering of evidence of student performance over a period of time to measure learning and understanding. Evidence of learning could take the form of dialogue, journals, written work, portfolios, and tests along with many other learning