Is assessment for learning feasible in large classes? Challenges and coping strategies from three case studies

ABSTRACT

While assessment for learning (AfL) has been widely used in college English classrooms in China where teachers usually teach large classes, how AfL is implemented in the large-class higher education (HE) context is relatively underexplored. To address this gap, this study explores some of the challenges presented by large classes and the teachers’ coping strategies through case studies of three university English teachers’ AfL practices. Challenges are identified surrounding how the teachers dealt with (a) inadequate attention to individual students, (b) reduced opportunities for individualised feedback, (c) overwhelming marking responsibilities, and (d) involving students in assessment, with strategies of putting students in groups, matching names with faces, conducting teacher-student conferences, utilising technology to facilitate feedback processes, enabling peer feedback, and transforming students from assessees to assessors. Findings are framed around useful forms of AfL in large classes and the feasibility of AfL in terms of compromises between teacher agency and their temporal and contextual conditions. The paper concludes with implications for teacher assessment training, teacher education and policy-making.     

教师持续专业学习与发展:内涵、条件与评估 ——专访英国诺丁汉大学荣休教授戴杰思

在教师发展领域,基于原有的教师“专业发展(PD)”“持续/连续专业发展(CPD)”,戴杰思教授进一步提出并强调教师“持续专业学习与发展(CPLD)”的概念。他认为,CPLD项目本质上是对教师实施的系列干预活动,主要是通过有意识地为教师提供有价值的学习内容和发展机会,促进教师的专业成长,从而实现学校的积极变革和可持续发展。在CPLD项目的设计和实施过程中,要重视教师的内因作用,特别是他们的情绪韧性;同时,学校在开展CPLD项目过程中,需要从四个方面保障其有效性,即正确认识教师学习的本质与改变、重视教师专业性、提升学校领导层重视度、创建专业学习共同体。由于教师工作的复杂性,CPLD项目实施效果的测量和评估需通过构建长期、多视角立体式的测评模式探索其有效的路径和方法。     

Assessment for learning in constrained contexts: How does the teacher’s self-directed development play out?

This qualitative case study explores how a teacher directed himself in implementing assessment for learning (AfL) among his students in a constrained context (i.e., a lack of institutional support in offering effective teacher education programs). The data included a Chinese college English writing teacher’s reflections over two courses, interviews, and dialogues with the students, coupled with field notes. The qualitative analysis shows that in a constrained context, self-directed AfL was buttressed by the teacher's existent pedagogical knowledge. In the process, the teacher’s self-agency empowered him in synergizing existent knowledge with external resources and revamping his teaching based on the students’ needs as reflected through AfL. These student-centered practices contributed to reduced complexity of AfL implementation, and yielded a more or less beginning cycle: the students echoed the teacher’s purpose of assessment, which considered knowledge appropriation as pivotal, and the teacher felt professionally rewarded from self-directed development using assessment-based information to improve his instruction and benefit his students.     

黄冈市重点中学和普通中学高一学生数学学习特征比较

本研究采用“国际学生能力评估计划（PISA）”的学生调查问卷,对黄冈市重点中学和普通中学的535名学生的数学学习特征进行调查与分析,旨在探讨重点中学和普通中学学生数学学习特征的差异性。结果发现：重点中学的学生与普通中学的学生相比具有更加浓厚的数学学习兴趣、更强烈的学习动机、更积极的自我概念和自我效能感以及低水平的焦虑体验,并且他们更擅长运用各种学习策略。黄冈市高中一年级学生的数学学习特征在性别上存在着显著差异。     

Small data,online learning and assessment practices in higher education: a case study of failure?

In this paper, we present an in-depth case study of a single student who failed an online module which formed part of a master’s programme in Professional Education and Leadership. We use this case study to examine assessment practices in higher education in the online environment. In taking this approach, we go against the current predilection for Big Data which has given rise to ‘learning analytics’, a data-intensive approach to monitoring learning. In particular, we draw attention to the model of the learner produced by learning analytics and to issues of ‘dataveillance’ in online learning. We also use the case to examine assessment in higher education more broadly, exploring the tensions between the requirements for certification and the need for learning. We conclude that assessment practices in higher education may have more to do with ‘quality assurance’ and regulatory frameworks than with ‘enhancing the student experience’ and inculcating the qualities that mark out higher education as an ethical project.     

专业视野中的PISA

近来,国际学生评估项目(PISA)备受国内外关注。PISA项目缘于发达国家对基础教育质量的反思,是一项以改善教育政策为导向的跨国测试研究。本文解读了PISA测试独创的素养及其内涵结构,探究了PISA研究试图解释的学生素养形成与学生个人参与及学习策略间的关系,分析了PISA研究试图发现的学生素养与家庭影响、学校均衡、教育公平的关系。本文认为,公平而卓越正在成为发达国家和国际组织衡量基础教育质量的新尺度;多维度、多学科、重数据与国际参照已经成为教育研究与教育评价的重要发展方向;教育政策的制定应该建立在研究、数据和证据的基础上。     

Physical education teachers’ perceptions about the effectiveness and acceptability of strategies used to increase relevance and choice for students in physical education classes

School physical education (PE) aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills for lifelong participation in physical activity (PA). Unfortunately, many PE teachers report that motivating students is a significant challenge. The purpose of this study was to explore PE teacher perceptions about the effectiveness and acceptability of three self-determination theory-based motivational strategies on students’ PA, motivation, and learning during PE lessons. Thirteen PE teachers from five schools in Western Sydney, Australia, participated in this study. We carried out semi-structured post-lesson interviews with PE teachers to gather information about the perceived effectiveness and acceptability of the three intervention strategies and whether these were sustainable teaching methods: (1) explaining relevance; (2) providing choice; and (3) complete free choice. Analysis of interview data revealed that teachers believed each strategy successfully enhanced student PA, enjoyment, motivation, and student learning. The findings also showed that our motivational teaching strategies were acceptable when embedded within certain PE contexts. Overall, the results have implications for future pre-service and in-service PE teaching practice.     

I explain,therefore I learn: Improving students’ assessment literacy and deep learning by teaching

Partnership in higher education emphasises an active role for students in both teaching and learning. This pedagogical culture is likely to make students assessment literate and engage them in deep learning. In this study, Iranian students experiencing learning-by-teaching (LbT) in private language institutes were interviewed to compare their perceptions toward assessment and learning with their counterparts without this experience. Findings show that LbT fosters students’ assessment literacy and deep learning. Results also reveal that by teaching other students, quasi-teachers promote a broader understanding of assessment and grade practices in comparison to other students. Unlike their counterparts, quasi-teachers de-emphasised grades and showed a greater focus on learning. Moreover, explaining the materials to other students provided them with a deeper cognitive process resulting in deeper learning. These results underscore the perceived importance of partnership in higher education.     

How useful is Dynamic Assessment as an approach to service delivery within educational psychology?

Dynamic Assessment would appear to be an appropriate tool for educational psychologists (EPs) as it is concerned with how children learn and has a wider social remit of promoting inclusion. Yet the literature consistently shows this approach has been one of the least utilised methods in educational psychology practice. This paper addresses the role of Dynamic Assessment within professional practice and critiques what this model of service delivery can contribute to the four stages of assessment according to the Division of Educational and Child Psychology guidelines: what is happening; who is concerned; why there is a problem, and what can be done to make a difference to the situation. Both theoretical and practical aspects will be analysed, supported by practical examples. The implications for EPs are discussed.     

美国凤凰城大学的学习支持及质量管理探究

本文简要介绍了美国凤凰城大学以成人在职学习者为中心的教/学模型、在线学习流程以及跟踪全程的学习支持服务,并详细介绍了凤凰城大学久负盛名的学习评估和质量保证系统,这些对中国的远程教育发展有一定的启示作用。     

SOLO水平层次与PISA的评估等级水平比较研究

SOLO是一种源于皮亚杰发展阶段论的评测工具,其初衷是为了诊断并改进教学。PISA则是生发于实践并得以大规模运用的评测工具,其评价目的是为了进行国际比较。通过对SOLO水平层次与PISA评估等级水平之间的比较分析发现,SOLO各层次水平特征与PISA多数评估等级的陈述有着内在一致性。