Unit 7 Support Assessment For Learning Analysis

Unit 7
Support Assessment for Learning

1.1

One of the main responsibilities of the class teacher is to monitor and assess pupil achievement and progress. This is vital to be able to report back to parents or other staff. Assessment is an ongoing process and teachers implement this in a variety of ways from weekly spelling and maths test to bi-annually and annually testing.

My role as a Teacher’s Aide within my primary school is very unique. I primarily work with children in Key Stage 2, in every year group, providing Language Support and delivering Literacy interventions. I do not usually work under the direction of the class teacher except for following the pupils Individual Education Plans (IEP’s), as described below. As directed
They are usually carried out at the end of a term, scheme of work or the end of a school year by way of traditional assignments and tests. The purpose of summative assessment is to measure the learning that has already taken place.

In my role as Teachers Aide, I administer standardised reading tests and report the results to the class teachers.

1.3

Assessment for learning is a motivational way to encourage children to take responsibility for their own learning. It ensures that pupils are clear on the purpose of what they are doing, what they need to do and how close they are at achieving it. It is believed that pupils improve most if they understand the aim of their learning, where they are in relation to this aim and how they can achieve the aim.
Effective assessment for learning happens all the time in the classroom. It involves: * sharing learning goals with pupils * helping pupils know and recognise the standards to aim for * providing feedback that helps pupils to identify how to improve * believing that every pupil can improve in comparison with previous achievements * both the teacher and pupils reviewing and reflecting on pupils' performance and
This enables pupils to learn the skills to be able to discuss their work before moving on to thinking about their own work.
1.4
Research has shown that it is important for pupils to be a part of the assessment process to maximise their motivation. The benefits of assessment for learning include: * an improvement in pupil’s chances of success when they know what is expected of them, they understand what they are learning and they take an active role in tracking and discussing their progress * pupils developing an insight into themselves as learners * pupils developing a deeper understanding of their learning when they are given opportunities to discuss their learning with their teacher and or peers * building confidence and motivating pupils to maximise their achievements * providing evidence of pupils learning
Children who feel they are not part of the learning process are more likely to become disengaged and lose interest in learning. Additionally, the opportunity to give feedback to more able pupils as well as those less able ensures that we are giving pupils the tools to achieve the best of their potential.