EDU431 METHODS OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS AND

SCIENCE IN THE PRIMARY/JUNIOR GRADES

Required Reading F: Analysis and Reflection.
Title: Education testing: Assessment OF learning versus assessment FOR learning
CITATION: Siedlecki, J. (2012). Education testing: Assessment of learning versus
assessment for learning. MSDF.
ABSTRACT:

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:

One of the major problems in [education

assessment] is the constant conflation of
assessment OF learning with assessment
FOR learning. Weve all been a part of
education testing conversations when we
realized, Hey, we arent talking about the
same thing here. Next time, rather than just
nodding along, I suggest you dig into the
disconnect and discuss away.

I believe that assessment FOR learning and

assessment OF learning are both necessary
components of a successful classroom. Without
summative assessment of knowledge, there
would be no documentation of students
understanding as compared to their learning
expectations. Without formative and diagnostic
assessment, teachers would not have a good
sense of how to alter or modify their teaching
strategies in order to better accommodate
student learning. With that being said, these are
not the only types of assessment strategies that
can be implemented in the classroom.
Assessment AS learning is also very beneficial
for the development of valuable skills that are
important in guiding future learning. This gives
students the opportunity to utilize the selfassessment and peer assessment strategies in
the development of independence and critical
thinking skills. By taking on the role of the
evaluator, students can engage in self-reflection
in order to independently determine what they
need to do to reach their goals. Goal-setting is a
great way to instigate the gradual release of
responsibility model, so they can start taking
ownership of their own learning. I believe that
there should be more assessment AS learning
strategies integrated into the classroom so that
students can fully benefit from the impact it can
have on learning and development.