Formative Assessment
How fundamental is assessment to the learning process?
Section 1: Introduction
Before embarking on a reflective journal assignment about assessment, it is important first of all to define what is meant by both formative and summative assessment. Following the extensive research I have done into assessments over the last half term, the best definition I have found for formative assessment is:
“the process of seeking and interpreting evidence for use by learners and their teachers to decide where the learners are in their learning, where they need to go and how best to get there”. (Assessment Reform Group 2002)
It is essentially a different process than assessment of learning, which is the process of summative assessment, …show more content…
In the first section of the essay I made it very clear how important formative assessment is within a classroom and looked at some of the literature surrounding this subject. There is still a great deal more literature which has not been covered due to the short nature of this reflective assignment, but the general gist is still present which is that, “formative assessment is at the heart of effective teaching” (Black & William 1998: 1). The key factor is that it helps to “identify the next steps to build on success and strengths as well as to correct weaknesses” (Assessment Reform Group: 1999). I mentioned that summative assessment is still necessary at times and can be useful in some situations, however it can be damaging and limited. “Inside the Black Box” was a key document for a revolution in assessment styles, and was the catalyst for a change in teaching which, to me, seems invaluable.
I would have liked to have spent a lot more time critically assessing my use of formative assessment within my classroom. However, having run through the main key factors as set out by the Assessment Reform Group in 1999, this has enabled me to see the areas where I am most weak. In addition to this, reflecting on my journal by using Moon’s model has allowed me to track my progression and development over the course of the last term with regards to my awareness of the importance of formative
Section 1: Introduction
Before embarking on a reflective journal assignment about assessment, it is important first of all to define what is meant by both formative and summative assessment. Following the extensive research I have done into assessments over the last half term, the best definition I have found for formative assessment is:
“the process of seeking and interpreting evidence for use by learners and their teachers to decide where the learners are in their learning, where they need to go and how best to get there”. (Assessment Reform Group 2002)
It is essentially a different process than assessment of learning, which is the process of summative assessment, …show more content…
In the first section of the essay I made it very clear how important formative assessment is within a classroom and looked at some of the literature surrounding this subject. There is still a great deal more literature which has not been covered due to the short nature of this reflective assignment, but the general gist is still present which is that, “formative assessment is at the heart of effective teaching” (Black & William 1998: 1). The key factor is that it helps to “identify the next steps to build on success and strengths as well as to correct weaknesses” (Assessment Reform Group: 1999). I mentioned that summative assessment is still necessary at times and can be useful in some situations, however it can be damaging and limited. “Inside the Black Box” was a key document for a revolution in assessment styles, and was the catalyst for a change in teaching which, to me, seems invaluable.
I would have liked to have spent a lot more time critically assessing my use of formative assessment within my classroom. However, having run through the main key factors as set out by the Assessment Reform Group in 1999, this has enabled me to see the areas where I am most weak. In addition to this, reflecting on my journal by using Moon’s model has allowed me to track my progression and development over the course of the last term with regards to my awareness of the importance of formative