268 Rita Berry
T&F Proofs: Not For Distribution
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. . . we observe lessons of three diff erent subjects and learn from our
other colleagues.
The students can understand more about their own learning and be
more able to judge what they needed. These would give teachers some
directions in designing their lessons.
On the right-hand side is a picture that shows our interpretation of
how assessment is linked with teaching and learning in the curriculum.
Having clear assessment criteria is important as it lets us know
what sorts of standards we are aiming at. Teachers can choose the kind
of assessment strategy to match the important areas to assess.
In summary, the interviews with teachers revealed that the teachers were
satisfi ed with the programme and they acknowledged the changes in them.
They said that when compared with the past, they were more aware of the
criteria of assessment and how assessment should be related to their lesson
activities. In the past they seldom considered what abilities or what aspects
of the students they would need to assess. After their experience in the
AfL PDP, they had enhanced their knowledge in what and how to conduct
assessment and feedback. They became more aware of the importance of
providing eff ective assessment and of putting theories into practice. They
perceived themselves incorporating AfL into lesson and curriculum planning
in the future.
Data analysis of the interviews of senior school personnel revealed that
the senior personnel were very happy with their teachers’ deeper understanding
of AfL. They all said they witnessed an improved teaching quality
amongst their teachers involved in this project. They commented that the
participating teachers had become more attentive to the needs of students
and the progress of student learning and that the teachers were more able
to integrate assessment activities into teaching. Below are some of the comments
directly made by the senior personnel.
Previously, teachers did not know that assessment could support learning.
Certainly, they did not use assessment to uncover student learning.
Now teachers are more aware of the usefulness of assessment for
teaching and learning.
At the beginning of the project, teachers were not able to link assessment
with teaching and learning. Some time into the project, they were
more familiar with AfL concepts. Integrating assessment activities
into teaching thus became easier to them.
It was obvious that teachers paid more attention to students’ needs now.