Assessment for Learning
(60 minutes)
This module focuses on Assessment for Learning strategies.
In this module you will:
reflect on the role Assessment for Learning has on pupil outcomes
identify the key strategies
plan how to develop one of these
Presentation
(20 minutes)
Please read the notes and watch the brief video clips
Assessment for Learning (AfL) is an approach to teaching and learning that creates feedback which is then used to improve pupils’ performance.
AfL involves the following key actions:
Sharing learning intentions
Sharing and negotiating success criteria
Giving feedback to pupils
Effective questioning
Encouraging pupils to assess and evaluate their own and others’ work
(Each of these are wide areas for study in themselves and will be explored in depth other Learning Modules).
AfL strategies involve pupils becoming more active participants in their learning. It is a focus of self-directed, pupil-centred and collaborative inquiry that focuses on the development of thinking skills through problem solving activities.
The difference between Assessment OF Learning and Assessment FOR Learning
Assessment OF Learning (Summative)
Happens after learning takes place
Information is gathered by the teacher
Information is usually transferred into marks
Comparison with performance of others
Looks back on past learning
Assessment FOR Learning (Formative)
An integral part of the learning process
Information is shared with learner
Information is available on quality of learning
Is linked to learning intentions and success criteria
Looks forward to the next stage of learning
Assessment OF Learning and Assessment FOR Learning are complementary approaches and AfL strategies need to be phased into practice over time.
AfL enables teachers and pupils to focus on three key questions
Where are pupils now in their learning?
Where are pupils going in their learning?
How will pupils get to the next point in their learning?
Activity
(20 minutes)
Reflect on your own classes.
From the strategies identified in the notes and videos which do you find most challenging or would you find most challenging?
How could you positively address these challenges?
Reflection
(20 minutes)
What will your next steps be? Take the opportunity to plan how you are going to use what you have learned in this session for future lesson planning.
What strategies for assessment for learning have you not focused on in your class?
Why not?
What one strategy could you prioritise for use in one specific class?
How would this improve pupil outcomes?
Plan how to implement this.