EDU431 METHODS OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS

AND SCIENCE IN THE PRIMARY/JUNIOR

GRADES

Required reading E: Analysis and Reflection.

Title:
Assessment for Learning
CITATION: Assessment for Learning. (2010, March). Retrieved from
http://blackboard.niagara.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-522039-dt-content-rid2041211_1/courses/16SP-EDU431OTECD/READING%20-%20E%20-Assessment%20for
%20Learning.pdf
ABSTRACT:

Assessment is a very important part of

learning. When assessing students,
teachers should consider factors such
as: strengths and weaknesses, the needs
of the students, and must be able to
recognize different learning styles.
Teachers use assessment to learn about
the students, whereas assessment for
students allows them to understand
their own learning. Teachers should
look at a number of ways to improve
how they assess students. Ontario
curriculum expectations are available to
teachers to use as reference. Involving
students in assessment allows them to
understand feedback and how they can
better their own learning. It is very
important for teachers to clearly
communicate with students and their
parents/guardians. Clearly
communicating to students what their
targets/goals should be, allowing them
to understand how they can achieve
their targets/goals, and corresponding
how parents/guardians can support
students at home, are all important for
effective assessment.

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:
I think that assessments are one of the most
important parts of teaching. When one thinks of
assessments we sometimes think about tests and
exams that are sent home to parents to be signed
and returned. Yes, it is important for parents to be
aware of how their child is progressing and
developing their learning, although, these
assessments are for teachers and students as well. I
believe that it is particularly important for teachers
to review previous assessments prior to meeting a
new class in order to see the types of strengths and
challenges they will be working with. Teachers can
use these assessments as well as their own to track
the ongoing learning achievements of their
students. It is a great feeling when teachers can see
their students progressing and it is even greater for
the teachers to be able to show these progressions
to the students and parents through these
assessments. It is important that we continue to
develop new ways to assess students in the most
effective ways possible. These assessments can
also demonstrate what students need to improve in
and possibly provide them with ways of doing so. I
also believe that during various points in each week
teachers should record anecdotal notes to keep
track of the learning of their students. Teachers
should have records like these assessable and
should practice various types of assessments,
because it would be useless to simple give students
work sheets and homework everyday without being
assessed on them. Teachers should be incorporating
purposeful activities and tasks within their daily
planning, and students should be assessed on these,
even if it is just for the teachers records to find
ways to help them improve.