Assessment – Does it matter?

After spending 2 lessons on assessment I find myself thinking how effective assessment on learning is or is it just another task to add to a teacher’s never ending list of things to do when planning lessons.

We talked about the 3 main types of assessment, Initial, formative and summative then moved onto Mastery and Developmental objectives and finished with judging the quality of assessment through VASCR.

After the lessons I felt somewhat bamboozled how assessment can be so broad. How will I know given all the choices and types of assessment which I need for my learners.

I Read Dunns article which outlined 8 categories of assessment, I slowly realised assessment doesn’t have to be test of accountability but more an understanding of learning and improving. I am already doing it with my learners without realising. I have my learners work in groups and present to the class, I ask open and closed questions for understanding. As a teacher of PE I check my learners are performing techniques correctly I ask them why they are doing a particular task and when would it be beneficial in a game situation and I have them peer assess each other.

So in conclusion assessment is an important tool for any learner to progress and improve however, the key is not to turn assessment into “an end of year exam” or make it summative. Develop your learners through the course and scheme of work. Allow them to assess themselves and each other, provide them with constructive feedback whilst setting targets for improvement