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Assessment in Alberta: Discussion Paper
This discussion paper explores internationally accepted principles and practices of fair assessment within a context of critical thinking and the Alberta Social Studies Program of Studies.
Question 6 – How will students receive feedback?Teachers, students and peers can all be involved in the process of providing feedback. A variety of tools can be used to record observations and evidence of student learning. Effective feedback identifies areas in which students have been successful as well as areas for continued growth. Feedback tools identify criteria for evaluation, describe the required standard of performance and provide a place to record observations and evaluations of student performance. The use of these tools, including specific and descriptive feedback from teachers, peers and self provide data that students use to improve their learning.
While each tool can be used separately in isolated assessment contexts, using the tools in combination creates powerful opportunities to support student learning. See examples: “Optimally, over time, assessment no longer lies primarily with others. Rather, like seasoned professionals or experts, students gradually internalize the criteria by which they are assessed, becoming able to judge how well their performances stack up against an ideal...” (Gardner Disciplined Mind 2000, pp.131–132) Carefully constructed feedback tools that are linked to learner outcomes and appropriately placed in the instructional sequence provide support for students and guide their learning. Involving students in the assessment process increases intrinsic motivation and the potential for learning. |
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