Reference no: EM132743706 , Length: word count:2500

ASSIGNMENT 2

A portfolio evidence to illustrate the assessment of science learning (2000-2500 words)

This assignment is designed to demonstrate your understanding of monitoring practices in schools (how pupils' progress is tracked, targets set and checked) and how the assessments can be used to impact upon planning. This will constitute a portfolio of evidence to illustrate your understanding of assessment practices in science. Science education uses summative, formative and practical skills assessments. These forms of assessments are combined to brand a pupil with an attainment grade.
Select a pupil that you teach from year 7, 8, 9 or 10.

What is expected?

1. An analysis of the types of assessment practices there are (700-800 words). You may like to consider and/or focus on some of the following questions:
• How can assessment be defined?
• To what extent do these assessment techniques represent the actual (absolute) understanding, knowledge and skills of a pupil?
• To what extent is assessment driving what is taught?
• How are the assessment challenges for science unique to science?
• To what extent are these assessment challenges universal across all subjects?
• What drives assessment, and what processes and people are involved in assessment?
• What physical evidence of assessment can be provided?
• What evidence of assessment can be inferred?
• What is deemed ‘good assessment practice' and why?

In your write up, refer to relevant literature in assessments and include aspects of your classroom experience of carrying out assessments. Remember to link theory to practice.

2. A description of the pupil and a summary overview of his/her assessment and monitoring records, from both summative and formative assessments. You can include any records from any sources that you consider relevant, but the emphasis should be on attainment in science. Include relevant literature in your discussion linking theory to practice (300-400 words).

3. An analysis of recent work in science.
Choose a range of recent assessment evidence and analyse it in detail, providing a written account of what this evidence shows about the pupil's current attainment and how you have arrived at your judgement. You must clearly show the evidence for any judgements you make (also include copies of the pupil's work in the appendix and refer to this in your discussion) (600 - 700 words). Remember to refer to relevant literature in your discussion and be critical.

4. Suggestions for a way forward.
Consider the evidence of current performance from your analysis and suggest strategies that could be adopted to ensure progress in meeting any needs that you have identified and any advice that should be given to adults who help the pupil. Make these points specific, referring to the evidence cited elsewhere and support with relevant literature that relates to your findings (400 - 600 words).

Help with writing a critique:

Please be aware that all assignments will require you to link theory and practice that is, drawing upon your own classroom experience as well as linking to relevant literature. You must also develop a critical approach all through your essay, see guide below:

• Make comparisons between different approaches drawing upon literature you presented and make relevant conclusions based on what you think e.g. from your practice. You may also include evidence from your lesson.
• Weigh up alternatives if possible and make your own views known and link this to relevant literature to strengthen your argument.
• Apply your own judgements
• Make links between areas of knowledge- how does it relate to literature?
• Analyse why something did not work
• Evaluate/argue/contests- link this to relevant literature. Draw evidence from your practice and compare views from different authors.
• Be ready to critique whatever you read. Do not always assume they are right even when you have tried it, there may be different approach to it.