What is 'Assessment for Learning'?

Assessment FOR learning involves:

'gathering and interpreting evidence about pupils' learning'; and

'learners and their teachers using that evidence to decide where pupils are in their learning, where they are going and how to take the next steps'.
(QCA and the Assessment Reform Group, 2001)

An important part of assessment for learning is pupils' self-assessment.

As Black & Wiliam say,
'Pupils should be trained in self-assessment so that they can understand the main purposes of their learning and thereby grasp what they need to do to achieve'.
(Inside the Black Box, 1998, Kings College, London).

QCA has identified the following key features of assessment for learning:

• embedded in the teaching and learning process of which it is an essential part;
• sharing learning goals with pupils;
• helping pupils to know and to recognise the standards to aim for;
• providing feedback which leads pupils to identify what they should do next to improve;
• having a commitment that every pupil can improve;
• involving both teacher and pupils in reviewing and reflecting on pupils' performance and progress;
• involving pupils in self-assessment.

To improve the quality of assessment for learning, QCA suggests:

1. Involving pupils in their learning;

2. Modelling quality: showing pupils the learning strategies and goals;

3. Giving feedback to pupils on their work;

4. Self assessment and peer assessment.

(More guidance on how to use assessment information is available here >>)