Introduction to Assessment for Learning

1. Introduction to Assessment for Learning by Dr. Marina Wong Hong Kong Baptist University Department of Education Studies

2. Terminologies • Formative assessment • Summative assessment • Outcomes-based assessment • Alternative assessment • Authentic assessment • Performance (based) assessment • Classroom assessment • Assessment for Learning

3. Definitions of Assessment for Learning • S should be assessed by a diversity of assessment modes according to the purpose and process of learning, and not just academic outcomes (CDC, 2000: 54) • Formative assessment should be used to provide feedback that motivates and improves learning (CDC, 2000: 54)

4. Modes of assessment • Worksheets • Performance / presentations / practical tests • Portfolio / projects /concert reports • Self assessment • Peer assessment

5. Important components • Assessment strategies which are integrated with learning activities • Explicit assessment criteria • Negotiation / discussion • Reflection • Qualitative feedback

6. Research and development of assessment practices • Feedback in which a qualitative comment is accompanied by a mark is LESS helpful than a qualitative comment alone (Black & Wiliam, 1998) • S w/ self-assessment training can foster +ve impact on performance in external exam. (McDonald & Bould, 2003) • Self-assessment can motivate S to be owners of their learning (Leahy et al., 2005) • Improving formative assessment produce benefits in external assessment (Wiliam, 2004)

7. 5 Broad Strategies for implementing Assessment for Learning • Clarifying and sharing learning intentions and criteria for success • Engineering effective classroom discussions, questions and learning tasks • Providing feedback that moves learners forward • Activating S as the owners of their own learning • Activating S as instructional resources for one another (Leahy et al., 2005)