Assessment for Learning in ICT
Talking to Alex Savage (AST at NotreDame) revealed some interesting ideas about the use of AfL in ICT lessons. The Keystage 3 Strategy had been promoting ongoing assessment from the outset, but teachers have often been reluctant. They prefered to have an assessment at the end of a unit of work. It seems that going through a process of developing assessment has helped to come full circle. Here is Alex’ advice:
Before you start the task, tell the children what they need to do to get a specific level and what would move them to yet another level. (Example – look at welcome slide “assessment criteria”)
Provide pupils with a check list so that they can sort out their priorities. (See work in progress on the “Assessment Checklist”)
Spend a lot of effort on teaching the use of the assessment and establish new routines. Most of the effort should go on reporting back to the students, before they complete the task. This enables them to act upon your advice.
Alex thinks that most of his students have moved to the next level much quicker than they used to!