Assessment is for Learning
- Learning intentions
- To build an understanding of the key princilpes
- Action plan
What is AifL
- National programme, in place since Nov 2001
- Based on underlying principles, drawn from research
The Underlying Principles
Learners learn best when…
They understand clearly what they are trying to learn, and what is expected of them
they are given feedback about the quality of their work
AifL Triangle…
Engagement:
Schools take part as ASGs (Associated School Groups – that’s a cluster to you and me, mate)
- Clusters are varied
- Project work is rarely subject specific…
- Case Study is the outcome
Funding has been made available to pay for teachers to have time for development of AifL issues (Could be for cover for observation/producing materials/etc)
National Programme:
Over 250 clusters..
Action Research Model in Schools
Projects should be:
- Small Scale
- Time Limited
- Positioned within existing school developments
Projects should encourage:
- Pupils to become better/more effective learners
- Dialogue between staff
Advantages of ASG Project
Next steps…
Principles, not Strategies
Introducing new tricks into an existing programme of work will not be effective and will not be sustainable
The underlying principles need to be understood and implemented…
USEFUL IDEAS
- Separating learning intentions from task set… (ie: pupils know what they have to do, but don’t know what they are supposed to actually learn…)
- Establishing and sharing clear criteria for success (and incorporating these into planning and task assignment)
- Using feedback, written or oral, without formal marks or grades
- Questioning structure for lessons
- Peer- and self- assessment for ‘routine’ activities
- Traffic lighting for revision
- (Think), pair, square and share – useful for homework feedback
Observation
It ain’t rocket science… it is a focussed approach to LEARNING in the classroom, based on sound and validated educational research…(perhaps) a new way of thinking for teachers…
