Assessment for learning Joan Holt Deputy General Manager Curriculum Solutions Curriculum Corporation

Assessment for learning A systematic approach to formative assessmentA systematic approach to formative assessment A web site to build and support a strong assessment culture in Australian schoolsA web site to build and support a strong assessment culture in Australian schools Commissioned by CC BoardCommissioned by CC Board

Assessment for learning Student achievement and needs identified Feedback & teaching programs to meet needs Well designed assessment

Assessment for learning site Aims to :Aims to : –close the gap between assessment and learning using information from assessment to improve learning –close the gap between research-based evidence and classroom practice –provide professional support and tools for teachers.

Assessment for learning is…. “… the process of seeking and interpreting evidence for use by learners and their teachers to decide where the learners are in their learning, where they need to go and how best to get there.” - Assessment Reform Group 2002

Research base Formative assessment interventions have effect sizes of between 0.4 and 0.7Formative assessment interventions have effect sizes of between 0.4 and 0.7 Larger than those of most interventionsLarger than those of most interventions An effect size of 0.4 means….An effect size of 0.4 means…. –an average student involved in an innovation would record the same as a student in the top 35% of those not involved Inside the Black Box, UK, 1998

Further research OECD, 2005 Nineteen case studies in eight OECD countries incorporated:Nineteen case studies in eight OECD countries incorporated: examination of policy frameworksexamination of policy frameworks visits to exemplary schoolsvisits to exemplary schools interviewsinterviews classroom observationsclassroom observations literature reviewsliterature reviews Formative Assessment – Improving Learning in Secondary Classrooms

OECD findings “ … formative assessment is one of the most effective strategies for promoting high student performance. It is also important for improving the equity of student outcomes and developing students’ ‘learning to learn’ skills.”“ … formative assessment is one of the most effective strategies for promoting high student performance. It is also important for improving the equity of student outcomes and developing students’ ‘learning to learn’ skills.” Formative Assessment – Improving Learning in Secondary Classrooms

Assessment for learning strategies 1.Embed assessment in student learning 2.Effective feedback 3.Strategic questioning 4.Student self-assessment 5.Share learning intentions and assessment criteria 6.Make formative use of summative assessment 7.Plan and adjust teaching programs on the basis of what is learnt from assessments

Assessment for Learning Project funded by CC BoardAssessment for Learning Project funded by CC Board It is a major project having involved:It is a major project having involved: –25 writers –100 schools in trialing the tasks –150+ teachers in trialing –130 teachers in moderation of worksamples –Production of 32 tasks –5 Professional Development modules –Train the trainer sessions for all jurisdictions

Assessment for learning site assessment tasksassessment tasks -rubrics -follow-up teaching and learning activities work sampleswork samples professional development modulesprofessional development modules

Future directions – new work Video DVD case studies depicting exemplary classroom practiceVideo DVD case studies depicting exemplary classroom practice Focussing on:Focussing on: –strategic questioning (Feb 06) –effective feedback –student self-assessment Also showing interviews with teachersAlso showing interviews with teachers –difficulties and how overcome Taster on website, DVD free to schools on orderTaster on website, DVD free to schools on order Continuous update of AfL site eg VELS (Vic)Continuous update of AfL site eg VELS (Vic)