Welcome to this three-part episode all about assessment! Assessment is such a valuable part of teaching, and so in these episodes we discuss some of the common issues we hear about from teachers all over the world. If you want to learn more about setting successful assessments for your class, this podcast is for you!
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Assessment: what we will cover
In part one, we discuss the main principles that underpin good quality assessment and the questions you can ask to determine if your assessments have worked.
In part two, we look at formative assessment, how to set assessments up for success and the common pitfalls.
In part three, we dive into data as we look at how we can effectively use assessment data.
If you like these episodes, you will love our episode specifically on assessment for learning. Make sure to check it out.
Brighter Thinking Pod – Ep 33: Assessment part 1: Here, There and Everywhere
In part one we discuss:
- Where do teachers find assessment most valuable?
- Why is assessment more important now?
- What are the principles of good assessment?
- How to set successful assessments
- How does a teacher know if they got the assessment criteria right? How do they evaluate their assessments?
Show notes
High level summary of Dylan Wiliam’s work
Embedded Formative Assessment, Dylan Wiliam
Cambridge Assessment Network on Twitter – @AssessNetwork
Cambridge Assessment Network LinkedIn
Sign up to the Cambridge Assessment Network newsletter
Brighter Thinking Pod – Ep 34: Assessment part 2: Setting up Assessments for Success
In part two we discuss:
- What are the principles of a ‘good’ assessment?
- How do teachers use these principles to create their classroom assessments?
- Formative assessment – what is it and how can you use it?
- How do you set up your assessments for success?
- What are the common problem areas with assessment?
Show notes
Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint
Getting Started with Assessment for Learning guide
Brighter Thinking Pod – Ep 35: Assessment part 3: Steering a Course in the Sea of Data
In part three, we discuss:
- Assessment data collection – who/what is it for?
- What does the data tell us? What doesn’t it tell us? What can it be used for?
- How long do we hold onto what the data tells us?
- How can we effectively use assessment data?
- What do misuses of data look like?
- How can we find out more about assessment?
Show notes
David Didau blog on flightpaths
Dylan Wiliam blog on the secret of effective feedback
Host and guests
Adam Steele – host
Your host for this three-part episode is Senior Brand Marketing Executive from Cambridge University Press, Adam Steele. Adam is the Producer of the Brighter Thinking Pod, a published ghost-writer and former musician.
Brooke Wyatt
Brooke is a Senior Manager, Assessment Training at the Cambridge Assessment Network. An experienced teacher of the sciences, and currently a school governor, Brooke also worked as an assessment manager at Cambridge International Education, designing and developing assessment materials and training.
Simon Child
Simon is Head of Assessment Training at the Cambridge Assessment Network, and co-course Director for the Postgraduate Advanced Certificate in Educational Studies: Educational Assessment at the University of Cambridge. He is the author of the book, The what, why and how of assessment: A guide for teachers and school leaders.
Thanks for listening
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Our show notes have lots of useful links that we’ve discussed throughout the show, so please check them out.
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