This book describes the development and use of techniques to assess children's science investigations. The authors believe that science in the primary classroom should, as far as possible, be a practical activity. The advantages and difficulties of assessing investigations in a practical situation are discussed. A general framework for practical assessment is described and illustrated by reference to the Water Sprinkler task, which has been used with several hundred children in the STAR project. Guidelines are indicated for teachers to develop their own classroom-based practical assessment procedures.

Why is assessment so important in the teaching-learning process? How should we assess pupils in the primary classroom? Assessing Learning in the Primary Classroom is an accessible introduction to the concepts critical to a professional understanding of this vital aspect of a teacher’s role. It comprehensively considers the principles underpinning effective assessment, the different forms it can take and the different purposes it serves, both within and beyond the classroom. Linking the latest research and theory with examples of assessment in the classroom, it considers key issues such as: Why we assess How we assess How we ensure quality in assessment: validity and reliability Assessment internal and external to the school Statutory assessment throughout the primary school Local, national and international assessment Using assessment results in pupil, teacher, school and system evaluation Assessing Learning in the Primary Classroom is for all students undertaking their PGCE, those working at masters level, and experienced teachers who wish to broaden their understanding of both the value and pitfalls of educational assessment.

Essential reading to support principled assessment decisions in the classroom Assessment has become an increasingly complex area for primary schools in recent years, with schools and academy trusts trying to create their own ways of assessing without levels. Trainee teachers find it hard to understand key principles in assessment when practice in each of their school experiences is so varied. This ′essentials′ text supports trainee and beginning teachers to understand the current context and consider essential principles for good practice in primary assessment. The book: - features explanations of key terminology - includes practical examples from classrooms and schools - supports teacher assessment literacy - explores the assessment system as a whole - covers formative and summative assessment, pupil progress, data and moderation.

This core text for primary trainee teachers is a clear introduction to the different kinds of assessment and their purposes. Throughout the book, tasks encourage the reader to practise assessment skills and to reflect on planning, listening, questioning, observing, diagnosing and target-setting. This second edition is referenced throughout to the 2007 QTS Standards and has been fully updated to reflect the Primary National Strategy and key initiatives such as Every Child Matters. There is increased emphasis on peer assessment and target-setting linked to personalised learning. In addition, new material on Early Years observation and foundation/core subjects has been added.

Assessment has become one of the key issues in primary education over the past 10 years. This edited volume of essays brings together perspectives from all the significant participants involved in assessment in the primary school: teachers, headteachers, LEA advisors, inspectors, pupils, academics and researchers. The contributions illustrate effective assessment, and examine how it is, and can be, achieved. It will be of interest to school assessment co-ordinators, deputies and heads following NPQH courses, and lecturers on IE courses.

First Published in 2004. The terms ‘assessment’ and ‘testing’ conjure up all sorts of images in most people’s minds. Rows of desks in quiet halls, working to the clock, trying to remember the answers to obscure and sometimes irrelevant questions. Recent invitations to teachers to reflect upon an occasion when they remember being assessed or tested drew up long-forgotten memories of the 11-plus or taking a first driving test. Often these were memories tinged with unhappiness, sadness and a feeling of failure. Assessment for many of us has been an emotional experience and it is not surprising that we should reject facing children with such experiences too early in their lives. This book looks at assessment as a positive experience in the primary classroom, as a fundamental feature of teaching and successful learning

This book is a report on the academic achievement assessment of Grade-6 students in primary school with a large-scale sample for the first time since the new curriculum reform. This report consists of the general report, reports on the four subjects of Chinese, Mathematics, Science and Morality and Society, the questionnaire survey report and assessment instruments. This report states the complexion of students’ academic achievement including achievements and shortcomings and proposes some targeted suggestions. The methods and assessment instruments have important reference value for future academic achievement assessment.

`The book is a practical work emphasizing the nuts and bolts of how to plan and deliver the curriculum in the classroom, as well as assessing the learning outcomes. It also looks at the pros and cons of the different types of teaching resources. The book is good for curriculum planning for NQT′s and experienced teachers alike′ - Environmental Education `Wynne Harlen is an acknowledged authority in the United Kingdom on science education for children from five-12 years (often referred to as the primary school phase). This book is the product of a lifetime of dedicated work in this area. Its success is indicated by the fact that it is a further edition of a book already accepted by the teaching community as one that addresses some of their immediate and most basic concerns. For those who are familiar with the previous edition it may be helpful for readers to know that this latest one provides an update on thinking about the practice of primary school science, particularly in the light of the considerable developments that have taken place in the last 4 years.... Science educators, in particular, will find this makes a valuable contribution to their professional development, and environmental concerns are not neglected in the process′ - Environmental Education Research Teaching, Learning & Assessing Science 5-12 is a new and totally revised edition of Teaching and Learning Primary Science. The author provides a theoretical rationale for why science should be taught in particular ways, and ideas and examples of how to do it. The opening chapters show how children learn, and discuss the nature of the goals of teaching science to children aged from five to 12 years. It is teachers′ understanding of these things that determines the kind of learning experiences they provide for children. Evidence is given to support a constructivist view: a view of learning which recognizes that children already have ideas about the world around them, formed from their everyday experiences and everyday ways of thinking. The teacher′s role is to help children to build their understanding and change their ideas towards the more scientific view. In science, this means through inquiry, which involves first-hand investigation of materials, the use of books and other resources and discussion. Several chapters describe and illustrate aspects of the teacher′s role in bringing about this learning, including planning and providing learning resources.

This volume provides a detailed account of the practical use of Assessment for Learning (AfL) in primary language classrooms. It gives an in-depth account of the ways in which eight experienced primary language teachers incorporated this type of assessment into their practice and discusses the possible impact of AfL on primary language learning. Key themes discussed in the volume include the relationship between AfL and language learning in childhood, which assessment methods are appropriate for primary-aged language learners, which methods support learner agency and engagement in the learning processes, and possible paths for future action, with a focus on implementation and researching AfL in primary language contexts. The findings of this book are relevant to global contexts and it will be of interest to postgraduate students and researchers in the fields of language education, language assessment and teacher education, as well as to primary and language teachers and school leaders.

Assessment for learning [AfL] is bound up with students becoming autonomous lifelong learners who are active participants in the classroom and beyond. This book explores teacher and student experiences of AfL interactions in primary science and technology classrooms. Working from a sociocultural perspective, the book’s fundamental premise is that AfL has a contribution to make to students developing identities as accomplished learners and knowers. The focus is on understanding and enhancing teacher practices that align with the spirit of AfL. The following points are illustrated: • AfL interactions are multifaceted, multimodal and take place over multiple time scales. • Student learning autonomy is promoted when teachers provide opportunities for students to exercise agency within a system of accountabilities. • Teacher pedagogical content knowledge plays a pivotal role in teachers being able to respond to students. • Productive AfL interactions are reflective of the way a particular discipline generates and warrants knowledge. The book will be of interest to teachers and educational researchers who want to examine AfL from a theoretical and a practical perspective