Assessment is a pain. The fact that it is important does not reduce the pain. The fact that copious guidance is available does not soothe the pain.
TM4T is not a pedagogic method, so we will not add to the mountains of good advice already available on what, how, and why to assess. We will just look at the work involved.
Now, discussing assessment in abstract terms is a bit tricky. We don't endorse stereotypes (for example the woodwork teacher who only has to mark one piece of work every six weeks) and we don't expect miracles (for example some school policies dictate detailed formative feedback on every piece of written student work). We must, though, acknowledge that different subjects and different schools face very different challenges when it comes to assessment. This guide is intended for those with real challenges - if you are the mythical woodwork teacher, stop reading now.
Because we are all different, the first steps in TM4T's approach to assessment are analysis, option evaluation and estimation,. You must evaluate and define your own personal circumstances before adopting any of the wonderful strategies described in that £20 training book. These steps - analysis, option evaluation and estimation - come before planning - ideally right at the start of the school year or immediately before it.
Step 1: Analysis and Option Evaluation. Click here
Step 2: Estimation. Click here.
Step 3: Planning. Click here
Step 4: Do it and Review it. Click here.