Enhanced Learning Through Assessment

BELIZE LITERACY PROJECT

WHAT TEACHERS CAN UTILIZE FOR IMPROVED ASSESSMENT?

Assessment for Learning

INTENDED LEARING OUTCOMES

Expand awareness of assessment for learning principles

Explore strategies for implementation Initiate action plans

Purpose

Student achievement Teacher energy Best practices Bad habits Transforming learning Research support Accountability focus Parent support

Current Understandings

What do I know about assessment for learning?       

Black and William Research

Improved learning by: Involve students in assessment process Increase descriptive feedback Decrease evaluation types of feedback

(grades)“No need to focus on evaluation if

strong planning is in place.”

Good teaching starts with the Curriculum

Begin with the general learner outcomes Move to specific learner outcomes Focus instruction on student outcomes Inform and involve students Guard against going beyond the curriculum ‘Series’ Smarts Grade level smarts

Exemplars and Models

Collect and post Grade level appropriate Include a range of possibilities Explain to students

Evidence of Learning

How can students best demonstrate what they have learned?

Focus on what they know not where they are deficit

Multiple data: Observations ProductsConversations

Consider…..

Range of possibilities (DI) Involve students Share criteria BEFORE students begin

assessment activity Multiple data: Observations, products,

conversations

10 Steps to Assessment(Anne Davies, 2003)

1. Explain purpose2. Show samples3. Set, use, share criteria4. Self Assessment5. Revisiting criteria6. Feedback for learning – how student improves7. Setting goals8. Collecting evidence9. Communicating using evidence10. Continuing learning

Do More of….

Discussing relevance of learning Involving student choice (projects) Students working with each other Students doing assessment Clarification of learning outcomes Observing students learn Expecting all students to excel Work portfolios Rubrics

Do less of….

Group testing Marking Competitive element Class averages Timed activities Whole class assignments

Hotspots ….

Class averages Cumulative grades Tests given before exam Retests Bell curves Open book tests Letter grades, percentages

Getting started…

Accessing resources PLC – teaming Teacher confidence – they know GLE Patience Recognize long term benefits Evolution not revolution

Celebrate the journey