EDU431 METHODS OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS

AND SCIENCE IN THE PRIMARY/JUNIOR

GRADES

Required reading E: Analysis and Reflection.

Title: Assessment for Learning

CITATION: Goode Kevin, Kingston Teresa, Grant Janet Millar, and Munson
Lorellie. Assessment for Learning. ETFO Voice. Curriculum Insert. (March
2010).

ABSTRACT:

Assessment is an integral part

of learning. This curriculum
insert focuses on assessment
strategies that every classroom
teacher can find useful. This
article outlines what good
assessment takes into account
and how it can be effective.
Identifying the purpose of,
designing flexibility, allowing
students to take ownership,
communicating clear
expectations and using
diagnostics are all things
teachers should consider when
planning assessment for
learning.

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:

Before even administering an

assessment, it seems relevant to
create goals in which students and
even teachers can effectively work
towards.
It is important to let students
know what they are learning and
why. When I was in elementary
school, I remember being told
what EQAO was and how I could
prepare for it. Thus, having
background knowledge about an
assessment can ease the students
which is important as it will let
them focus more.
The article outlines selfassessment. It discusses how
teachers guide students when
they take ownership over their
own learning. I think this can be
beneficial for students since they
will be able to understand how
they learn, what their strengths
are and what they can improve
on.
I find assessments to be important
as they are ongoing and part of
everyday learning. However, I
think it is important to have
teachers distinguish between a
good assessment vs a not so good
one.
For example, good assessment
takes into account learning styles,
needs, and strengths of each

individual student.
In regards to the teacher,
assessment is: the process of
gathering information about
student learning.
In regards to the student,
assessment is: the process that
informs them about their
learning.
Mainly, there are two forms of
assessment: formative (feedback,
observation) and summative
(cumulative, exams).
As a future teacher, I will definitely
make sure to decide what
effective assessment looks like,
and feels like, and practice self
assessment (am I clear about the
goals for learning? Have I aligned
the leaning goal to the appropriate
method?, etc).