Informal formative assessment: The role of instructional dialogues in assessing students’ learning

This paper focuses on an unceremonious type of formative assessment - informal formative assessment - in which much of what teachers and students do in the classroom can be described as potential assessments that can provide evidence about the students’ level of understanding. More specifically, the paper focuses on assessment conversations, or dialogic interactions or exchanges, which continuously happen in the classroom and that are at the center of informal formative assessment. It is argued that assessment conversations make students’ thinking explicit in an unobtrusive manner, and when students’ thinking is explicit, it can be examined, questioned, and shaped as an active object of constructive learning. The paper conceptualizes informal formative assessment at the center of effective instructional activities with the use of instructional dialogues as assessment conversations, a typical informal formative assessment practice. The paper then presents a discussion about the evidence on the effect of assessment conversations on student learning.     

加强形成性评价 提高英语学习成效——探索提高英语B级测试成绩的途径

形成性评价是以学生为中心、注重能力培养的一种教学方式。在高职英语教学中,通过实施对学生课堂学习行为、课堂活动参与及作业的评价,建立学生学习档案,实行以评价学习过程为主的评价标准,能有效地提高学生英语B级测试成绩,极大地调动学生学习的积极性。     

合作学习模式下形成性评估在英语专业教学中的探索

有效评估对促进外语教学至关重要。结合问卷调查和个案研究,本研究旨在探讨如何在合作学习模式下将形成性评估应用于英语专业教学中。结果表明,形成性评估有利于端正学生学习态度,改进学习策略和提高学习效果;合作学习模式有助于促进形成性评估的实施,对完善评估方式有重要意义。     

Supporting the less-adaptive student: the role of learning analytics,formative assessment and blended learning

Abstract

How can we best facilitate students most in need of learning support, entering a challenging quantitative methods module at the start of their bachelor programme? In this empirical study into blended learning and the role of assessment for and as learning, we investigate learning processes of students with different learning profiles. Specifically, we contrast learning episodes of two cluster analysis-based profiles, one profile more directed to deep learning and self-regulation, the other profile more directed toward stepwise learning and external regulation. In a programme based on problem-based learning, where students are supposedly being primarily self-directed, this first profile is regarded as being of an adaptive type, with the second profile less adaptive. Making use of a broad spectrum of learning and learner data, collected in the framework of a dispositional learning analytics application, we compare these profiles on learning dispositions, such as learning emotions, motivation and engagement, learning performance and trace variables collected from the digital learning environments. Outcomes suggest that the blended design of the module with the digital environments offering many opportunities for assessment of learning, for learning and as learning together with actionable learning feedback, is used more intensively by students of the less adaptive profile.     

形成性评价在小组合作学习中的实施

在英语教学中,阅读和听力是直接获得知识的重要方式。听力是很难只通过教学而熟练掌握的,而阅读则可以通过有效的学习方式而达到最佳的学习效果。在课堂教学中,采用小组合作学习的方式,可以通过学生间的集思广益,扩大彼此的知识面,并引起学习兴趣,进而达到最佳的学习效果。本文主要从形成性评价的基本含义出发,探讨了其在小组合作学习中的实施。     

Using formative assessment to influence self- and co-regulated learning: the role of evaluative judgement

European Journal of Psychology of Education - Recently, the concept of evaluative judgement has gained attention as a pedagogical approach to classroom formative assessment practices. Evaluative...     

Assessment for learning: Developing formative assessment in the classroom

This article reports on a research project designed to investigate and develop formative classroom assessment in primary schools. The project was a collaborative one, involving two university based researchers and a team of teacher researchers. It used an action research approach to try to bring about changes in classroom assessment practices. The article reports on changes in practice particularly involving the clarification and communication of assessment criteria to pupils.     

形成性评价对大学生英语学习能力培养的作用

形成性评价注重学习过程,能够培养学生的良好的自主学习意识和习惯、提高自我效能感、优化自主学习策略、把教与学引入良性发展的轨道,从而提高英语能力。     

形成性评价在大学英语合作学习中的应用

评价方法是合作学习中的一个重要环节,在大学英语阅读合作学习中应用形成性评价,通过"评估-反馈-调整-改进"的模式,帮助学生及时了解并反思学习过程,激发学生合作学习的主动性和积极性,促进合作学习的有效开展,从而逐步提高学生的英语阅读能力和自主学习能力。     

ESP研究性学习模式中形成性评价的实践研究

ESP成为中国大学英语的一个发展方向。研究性学习是学生主动探究的一种学习方式,非常符合ESP课程的特点。本文旨在通过构建与实施形成性评价方式,研究ESP课程中实施研究性学习的效果。研究表明,形成性评价在研究性学习模式中合理运用能使评价信度更高;同时形成性评价方式能进一步促进ESP课程中研究性学习的效果。     

Explaining learning gaps in Namibia: The role of language proficiency

In a multilingual context, this study investigates the role on mathematics achievement of the provision of instruction in the home language. It compares characteristics of 5048 Grade 6 learners in 275 Namibian schools. The outcome variable is the standardized SACMEQ mathematics score collected in year 2000. Hierarchical linear modeling is used to partition the total variance in mathematics achievement into its within- and between-school components. The results do confirm the significant role of low language skills on the overall low mathematics scores, which may question the effectiveness and equity of the current bilingual policy.     

Self-regulation in online learning

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of goal orientation and academic self-efficacy in student achievement mediated by effort regulation, metacognitive regulation, and interaction regulation in an online course. The results show that intrinsic goal orientation and academic self-efficacy predicted students’ metacognitive self-regulation; however, extrinsic goal orientation did not predict any type of regulation. Effort regulation and the amount of time spent in Blackboard predicted students’ academic achievement in the course, and interaction regulation predicted the amount of time spent in the online course. Results show the importance of individual students’ intrinsic goal orientation and academic self-efficacy in academic achievement. Discussion relates to current research and implications for online teaching and learning practice.     

The role of written formative feedback in inducing non-formal learning among masters students

This article adds to the existing literature on nonformal learning in education in general and the role played by written feedback in providing the space for such learning in particular. The study was conducted in an English as a Foreign Language context in which the participating students received written feedback on their English writings. Employing qualitative interviews and stimulated recall methodology, we explored interstudent interactions, cross-cultural understanding, and initiation into communities of practice, and categorized these as reactive and deliberative types of nonformal learning. Drawing upon Eraut's typology of nonformal learning, we would argue that formative written feedback provided on students' writings could lead to nonformal learning because it encourages them to act upon it.     

Investigating the dynamics of formative assessment: relationships between teacher knowledge,assessment practice and learning

This exploratory study of elementary school science examines questions central to policy, practice and research on formative assessment: What is the quality of teachers’ content-pedagogical and assessment knowledge? What is the relationship between teacher knowledge and assessment practice? What is the relationship between teacher knowledge, assessment practice and student learning? Drawing on multiple measures, hierarchical linear modelling and path analysis, results suggest that despite weaknesses in teachers’ content-pedagogical and assessment knowledge, teachers’ formative assessment practices are positively related to student learning. Relationships between teachers’ knowledge and assessment practices are mixed. Findings underscore both the potential and challenge of bringing effective formative practice to fruition as well as the need for continued research.     

Students’ assessment preferences and approaches to learning: can formative assessment make a difference?

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the relationships between hands‐on experiences with formative assessment, students’ assessment preferences and their approaches to learning. The sample consisted of 108 university first‐year Bachelor’s students studying criminology. Data were obtained using the Revised two‐factor study process questionnaire (R‐SPQ‐2F) and the Assessment preferences inventory (API). The study shows that differences in assessment preferences are correlated with differences in approach to learning. Students’ preferences for assessment methods with higher‐order thinking tasks are significantly lower after actual experience with a formative assessment. Moreover, students also changed their approaches to learning after hands‐on experience with a formative mode of assessment. Surprisingly, this change evinced a more ‘surface approach’ to learning. Nevertheless, this is in line with other recent research findings. The paper ends with some possible explanations, and new directions for research are proposed.