Make Assessment for Learning more engaging

In order to ensure that students' progress we need to know not only what they are going to do in each lesson but, most importantly, what they should learn. Once these learning outcomes are clear they need to be explained to the class. This process also needs to include a stage where the teacher and the class define what a successful outcome looks like, so that students are aware what they should be aiming for. Their progression is greatly enhanced if they understand why a particular grade is achieved and what they could do to improve. This will become easier if the teacher gives clear feedback using targets after assessments that can guide them further. Peer assessment and evaluating other's work is also an important part of this process although self assessment skills cannot be assumed and must be taught and developed like other key skills.

This activity will show you how to produce an Assessment for Learning (AFL) activity with the help of your a word processor. This particular task can be set up at any time but is perhaps best suited after an assessment or mock-style examination. Likewise, it can be used very effectively as a revision tool for Fast Track students in Modern Foreign Languages, Mathematics and Science, GCSE and A-Level groups to name a few. At the end of the activity students will have edited and assessed their peers' work using a very simple feature called Track Changes, if you use Microsoft Word, or Changes, if you have OpenOffice installed. Whether you are familiar with this tool or not, read on and find out how it can benefit using AFL in the classroom.

Read about the full activity here