Assessment in secondary music

1 Key issue 1: What is assessment for?

Assessment is typically categorised into two main types:

  • formative – assessment for learning
  • summative – assessment of learning.

Table 1 Types of assessment

Informal assessment Formal assessment

Formative assessment:

  • questioning
  • feedback
  • target setting
  • discussing criteria with learners
  • ‘closing the gap’ activities
  • self-assessment, e.g. in relation to performance and composition
  • portfolio assessment

Summative assessment:

  • performance examination
  • written examination
  • aural examination
  • end-of-term project
  • portfolio assessment

OpenLearn - Assessment in secondary music
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