Assessment for Learning helps learners to:
As a teacher, you will get the best out of your learners if you aim to use the three points above, which makes assessment as much a responsibility for the pupil as it is for the teacher. How does this work?
1. Learners understand what they are expected to learn
When you decide the learning outcomes for a topic or a lesson activity you should share what it is you are expecting them to LEARN. For example, ‘Today we are going to learn about the air. By the end of the lesson you will be able to demonstrate that it exists and describe its uses’.
To check they have understood, ask a question. For example:
Their answers will enable you to know if they understand what they have to learn before they start. If there is confusion, you can explain again in a different way.
2. Being aware of where they are now in their learning process
In order to help learners improve, you and they need to understand and be aware of what they already know about that specific topic. Watch and listen as they work and talk to learners about what they know and understand. Make sure that they find your feedback both useful and constructive. Do this by:
3. Understanding how they can make progress.
You will need to provide opportunities for learners to improve their work.
Give learners opportunities to talk about their work amongst themselves and explain what they are finding difficult. This helps them to become aware of their own learning.
How can you help students consolidate and improve their learning?