A summary

"Do I really know enough about the understanding of my pupils to be able to help each of them?" (Page 12) 

There is a need to further explore the potential of assessment to raise standards directly as an integral part of each pupil's learning work. (Page 9)

• The priority currently given to summative assessment should be altered in favour of enhancing the development of formative assessment skills by teachers. (Page 5)

• Strengthening the practice of formative assessment leads to substantial learning gains, particularly for low attaining pupils. (Page 3)

The way forward

How do we improve formative assessment in order to raise standards in the classroom ?

• Improve teacher pupil interaction.

Fundamental is the belief that children learn through interaction, building on developing understanding. Dialogue within the classroom is essential to this, it should evoke thoughtful reflection and be focused to explore understanding. (Page 3,7-9)

Teacher's questioning skills must be developed. There must be an increased useage of open questions. Pupils should be given more time for thought and discussion, working individually, in pairs or groups. (Page 7 & 8)

• Give quality feedback

Pupils must be given the means and opportunities to work with evidence of their difficulties. Self esteem is developed when pupils are given specific advice on how to improve in the form of targets and, importantly how to achieve these targets. (Page 6)

• Pupil self assessment

Pupil self  assessment is an essential component of formative assessment. Opportunities for pupils to express their understanding must be built into lessons. For pupils to do this they must have a clear grasp of the lessons learning intentions and therefore what they need to achieve. (Page 6)