Assessment and Learning
- John Gardner - The University of Stirling, UK
This new edition provides a comprehensive overview of assessment that is used to support learning, practice-based theory on assessment for learning, and formative assessment to support individual development and motivate learners.
With a strong list of existing and new contributors, this second edition has been updated to include the latest work on assessment. Readers will find research-informed insights from a wide variety of international contexts. It features:
- New chapters on e-assessment, the learner's perspective on assessment and learning and the influence of assessment on how we value learning
- Teacher-friendly assessment topics
- Practical examples and chapter summaries throughout
This book is useful to teacher educators and researchers on postgraduate courses in education, teaching, learning and assessment.
John Gardner is a professor of education at Queens University Belfast, and President of the British Educational Research Association.
This is a really well-presented book collating a range of research on assessment from the Assessment Reform Group (ARG), but it is too advanced for PTLLS learners in my opinon. I will use it as recommended reading for DTLLS, but will list it as an essential text for PGCE.
This book's overarching theme is how assessment contributes to learning drawing on varied range of research from old favourites like Black and Wiliam and Ecclestone. The research is based in a variety of different contexts which broadens its applicability. The Learners' Perspective chpter wa of particular interest as it is often neglected in discussions/ texts on assessment. Also of particular interest as a teacher trainer within FE was Instrumentalism and Achievement and the Chapter titled Role of Assessment in Developing Motivation was also of interest as motivation is very dear to my heart.
This is a really well-presented book collating a range of research on assessment fom the Assessment Reform Group (ARG), but it is too advanced for PTLLS learners in my opinon. I will use it as recommended reading for DTLLS, but will list it as an essential text for PGCE.
I have been looking for a text that will particularly support the concept "Assessment for Learning" and this does that very well. The end of chapter referencing has also provided the right level of links for learners on a Level Seven qualification.
Although an excellent in-depth book about assessment, it is quite difficult reading at times, with heavy jargon (e.g. the heading on p82 "System-level accountability as a driver of alignment" which is not meaningful to the uninitiated). I would say it is more aimed at research level or someone teaching assessment, rather than the average assessor. Although not adopting the book, I am drawing it to the attention of someone who run a course in assessment.
Assessment and Learning has an extensive range of ideas and perspectives on assessment that will continue to improve my own teaching and assessment methods. This book will also help improve teaching and learning for anyone who reads it. Each chapter is clear and easy to read, I would recommend this to any teacher or PGCE student. A must have.
Excellent book with good information for anyone wishing to learn more about assessment
A really useful book to back up assessment for PGCE student and teaching staff in general.
