Question 2

Assessment:

When teachers establish the way in which a lesson or outcome is going to be assessed they need to:

• be clear, and have direct links with outcomes (in syllabus)
• be integral to there area of teaching and learning
• be balanced, comprehensive and varied
• be valid and fair
• Engage the learner
• be time efficient and manageable
• resource availability
• how the task will be administered
• the way in which feedback will be provided.

The standard Framework
"The Board of studies curriculum framework is a standards –reference framework that describes, through syllabuses and other documents, the expected learning outcomes for students.
Standards in the framework consist of two interrelated elements:
• outcomes and content in syllabuses showing what is to be learnt
• descriptions of levels of achievement of that learning”
From the year7-8 mandatory technology Syllabus

The other types of assessing are Norm-reference Assessment or normative assessing which is used to compare the performance of individuals or groups against/ in comparison with each other or other comparable students doing the same task.
When a test is taken the average score (mean) of that test becomes the mark against which each student is compared. The average score becomes the performance standard against which every student is compared.
This can be used within a class, within a school or a district.

As a teacher you have to have professional judgement and is base your assessment of students on reliable data acquired in a fair and challenging environment, from multiple performances in a variety of contexts. You should use the assessments to determine the students’ initial knowledge, understanding and skills, to monitor student progress and to collect information to report student achievement.

In year 7 and year 8 Textiles I use classroom observation, students demonstration of their skill, project work completion and quality, and design folio completion and quality among other things. Other way of assessing could be through research activities, that show’s the students ability to obtain information and interpret it, presentations of ideas etc, written responses and reports, Peer assessments and Self-assessment.

Assessment for learning:
• Enhances teaching and improve learning.
• Reflects the belief that all students can improve.
• Involves setting learning goals with students.
• Involves students in self-assessment and peer assessment.
• Provides feedback

With thanks from the Technology (mandatory) Year7-8 Syllabus and Principles for assessment and reporting in NSW Government Schools.