Formative Assessment in Action: Weaving the Elements Together

by Shirley Clarke

This follow-up to Shirley Clarke's hugely popular Unlocking Formative Assessment focuses on bringing it all together in the primary classroom - how to weave all the elements of formative assessment, coherently and manageably, into everyday teaching. Uniquely, this book develops whole-lesson examples to showcase the key elements of formative assessment in action. Each chapter defines powerful aspects of formative assessment which are then exemplified in a teacher's own short account of a real lesson or series of how to establish clear learning objectives and success criteria; how to use questioning to transform the lesson focus and elevate thinking and learning; how to encourage self- and peer evaluation; and how to incorporate effective feedback into the lesson format through modelling and self- and paired marking. Throughout, Shirley's commentary and analysis draw on extensive classroom feedback from her teacher action-research teams across the UK, highlighting new ideas and good practice as formative assessment continues to develop and evolve. classroom realia, while summaries and INSET suggestions are provided at the end of each chapter. Ways of strengthening headteacher and LEA support and implementation strategies are also examined. Above all, this book will give teachers new confidence to experiment, analyse and modify their practice, to make formative assessment work in their own classrooms.

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a reason that when you think of assessment (theory), you think Shirley Clarke - 3.5*

This woman is the main person behind assessment and I honestly feel like a fangirl because I've read the majority of her books. Each with varying success but each has contributed to my developing ethos. I personally think the Outstanding Formative Assessment one is well...Outstanding!

Despite looking like it was printed in the 1990s, it is still an effective read and it helps you question the 'ins' and 'outs' of assessment, which is great for me. This is especially because I'm looking to push myself to 'outstanding' so I need to have a secure understanding of assessment...and my assignment. That 3000 words as well.