1. EDU 711 Science and Technology Education
Trimester 1
2014
Week 9
Lecturer : Mrs. Runaaz Sharma

2. Assessment in Science and Technology Education

3. A combination of the four above form assessment
Background
Assessment is a systematic, multistep, and multifaceted process involving the collection and interpretation of data ( NRC, 1996)
Four components in assessment :
Data Use (intended use of assessment results )
Data collection
Methods to collect data
Users of data
A combination of the four above form assessment

4. Processes in Assessment
Involves two processes:
Measurement : a process of quantifying the degree to which a student possesses a given characteristic, quality or feature
Evaluation: a process of interpreting measurement data based on a set of criteria in order to make judgments

5. Assessment in science teaching and learning
Science assessment is integral to science teaching and learning
The quality of the assessment data that is collected must be able to answer important science teaching and learning questions:
What pre conceptions do students bring to the science classroom ?
How do students conceptions change during science teaching and learning?
Have students mastered the expected learning standards ?

6. Science Assessment and Science Teaching and Learning
Science Assessment and science teaching and learning may be considered as two sides of the same coin
Without teaching and learning , science assessment is meaningless : without assessment , science teaching and learning is mindless
Therefore
Science assessment must be considered during the planning for effective science instruction

7. Foundations of Science Assessment
Measurement models through which assessment data is interpreted
Observation
Interpretation
Assessment tasks through which student attainment of LO is elicited
The Assessment Triangle
Theories on students learn (Science teaching and learning)
Cognition

8. Assessment in science
Assessment is always an integral component of instruction
Assessment conducted during the instruction is called formative assessment .
Formative assessment follows a continuous cycle of data collection, analysis and action during instruction
FA and instruction have a close relationship: not a clear distinction between FA methods and Instructional methods

9. Opportunities to learn (OTL)
Refers to provisions of condition , resources and practices that maximize student’s likelihood to achieve expected learning outcomes
OTL is using the best teaching practices to enable student learning

10. Variables for OTL
Content coverage : Match between curriculum taught and content tested.
Content exposure: Whether there is enough time spent on the content tested
Content emphasis: whether the teacher provides sufficient emphasis on the content tested
Quality of instruction : whether the teacher has taught the content adequately
( Stevens, 1997)
OTL Implication : must have on going assessment in science

11. What OTL must science classes focus on ?
Conceptual change
Learning trajectory : learning progressions which characterize paths children seem to follow as they learn science
Piaget’s Genetic Epistemology
Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development
Structural knowledge
Affective learning variables and the classroom

12. On going assessment in science
Assessment methods that support ongoing assessment in science :
Journaling ;
Portfolio;
Concept mapping and ;
Likert scales

13. References
Liu, X. (2010). Essentials of Science Classroom Assessment. SAGE publications: United States of America.