Section A 1. Critically reflect on the future orientations of evaluation at Primary School level, as recommended in the National Curriculum Framework.
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) favors a shift from subject-centered to a child-centered teaching and learning practices. The concern is more about how the child learns and not what the child is learning albeit the content is important as well. By placing the student/s at the heart of the education system, we are shifting to a child centered and holistic system of evaluation which will include remedial measures as well. Assessment is carried out to see, to what extent the objectives of learning have been attained; it should encompass the three domains of learning namely
…show more content…
Teachers can use Continuous Assessment for both formative and summative purposes. I found that it has many advantages but it also has some drawbacks.
a) Advantages of Continuous Assessment: * It provides regular information about teaching, learning and the achievement of learning objectives and competencies. * It allows teacher to spot learning difficulties. * It helps teachers to assess performance-based activities that cannot or are difficult to assess during examinations. * It provides constructive feedback to learners following the assessments as such it promotes learning and the development of skills. * It allows teachers to use alternative forms of assessment which will suit the different types of learners and learning styles. * The learners are given opportunity to perform better as their achievement will no longer be based 100% on end of year examination. But the progress will also be accountable throughout the learning process. * It provides remedial works for learners where they can overcome their weaknesses. * It gives teachers the opportunity to reflect on their teaching and to redirect their teaching for the betterment of the students ‘learning. * It alleviates stress laid on students. * It will gradually eradicate the unhealthy competitive mindset which has long existed in
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.
Feedback is a vital part of the assessment process as it gives the assessor an idea of if the learner has met the criteria set and if they haven’t, what action is needed to achieve the criteria.
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
The term ‘formative assessment’ is used to describe the activities and processes used by teachers and learners to gather information that informs future teaching and learning. Assessment becomes formative if the information gathered is used as feedback to adapt and modify teaching and learning (Black and Wiliam, 1998, p.2). There are a variety of different methods and techniques that can be used by teachers and learners that can contribute to enhancing learner progress. These include
A formative assessment provides informal feedback and information during the teaching process. This assessment measures student progress and performance thus allowing further improvement and development. It can also assess the teacher’s progress as an instructor, enabling the teacher to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching methods.
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
Checking their own work and progress through self-assessment is useful as this gives learners an opportunity to step back and reflect on their objectives and whether they’ve attained them.
Assessment for learning will help the learning support practitioner because it will inform us of which areas the pupils may need support with. It will give us better judgement on how to question the children and give them feedback on their work and will also show any problem areas that some less able children need to work at.
The function of assessment in learning and development is primarily to provide a measurable barometer for the students progress.
Assessing is a crucial component of education that informs teachers on individual development and understanding (Booker, Bond, Sparrow
What is the purpose of initial assessment and what kind of methods could be used? Evaluate these methods with reference to the ways they can help in the overall objective of achieving learning goals. How can you ensure learners are kept motivated and working towards these goals?
There are many reasons why we assess learners. Assessments enable tutors to measure learner’s progress towards their goal. And feedback can be given to help them such as outlining their strengths and weaknesses. Feedback is used to help learners learn and improve, and is the most important aspect of formative assessment. This can be given in various ways such as written, oral, in the form of graded/marked assignment etc. When giving feedback it is good practice to bear in mind the following points. It is important to give immediate feedback if possible; turn negative comment into constructive comments such as what to improve on before the next assessment; make assessment criteria clear, accurate and available; feedback to be clear, accurate and recorded; praise learner on achievement; encourage positive attitudes and make further suggestions. Learners can be encouraged through communication of how well they are doing and what skills and knowledge they are developing.
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.
This form of assessment allows me to find out children's prior learning experiences and interests and gives me an indication of where they are at, whilst children getting to have a 'voice' in what goes on in their classroom. On top of that, at the start of the term children would be able to engage in theme based lessons by inquiring them to suggest themes they'd like to study over the next half term, this gives children the power to take control of their own learning and supports children's intrinsic motivation of wanting to learn for themselves.
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.