Introducing Assessment for Learning

Andrea Mapplebeck, Chris Harrison, Yeasmin Mortuza, Jane Winter, and Iain Griffin

Introducing Assessment for Learning provides the starting point for your professional development, from which our subsequent courses will build: Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course would suit teachers, curriculum leaders, teaching assistants, newly qualified teachers, trainee teachers and others involved in the education of young people. You can use the hashtag #FLSTEMAssessment to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Key principles of assessment for learning
Intentional dialogue as a form of evidence of students’ understanding
Hinge-point questions to respond to students’ learning

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Reviews summary

Foundational assessment for learning principles

According to students, this course serves as a clear and accessible introduction to Assessment for Learning. Many found its focus on intentional dialogue and hinge-point questions highly beneficial, providing practical tools directly applicable in the classroom. While it offers a strong foundational understanding, some more experienced educators noted it could feel too basic, suggesting it's primarily ideal for new teachers or those seeking a refresher. Overall, learners appreciate its direct relevance to modern pedagogy and its ability to enhance teaching practice through effective assessment strategies.

Most beneficial for new teachers and those new to AfL concepts.

"I highly recommend it for new teachers or as a solid recap."

"As a trainee teacher, this course provided me with the essential tools... This should be mandatory for anyone entering the profession."

"While it covers the basics well, as an experienced educator, I found some parts a bit too simplistic. Good for absolute beginners though."

Provides a strong and accessible foundation for learning.

"Absolutely brilliant! This course provided me with the essential tools and confidence to implement effective assessment strategies. The explanations were crystal clear..."

"Fantastic course for anyone needing a strong grasp of Assessment for Learning fundamentals. Everything was explained clearly..."

"I found the introduction to be incredibly clear and easy to grasp, laying a solid groundwork for understanding assessment for learning."

Offers immediately applicable techniques for educators.

"The hinge-point questions section was particularly insightful, offering practical ways to gauge learning mid-lesson."

"The module on 'intentional dialogue' was a revelation! It truly changed how I approach classroom discussions and evaluate student comprehension."

"I can now implement new dialogue techniques and hinge-point questions with my students effectively."

Experienced educators may find the content too basic or repetitive.

"I found this course somewhat repetitive and didn't offer much new insight for someone already familiar with AfL concepts. I was looking for more advanced techniques..."

"A decent introductory course... as an experienced educator, I found some parts a bit too simplistic."

"I was looking for more practical strategies specific to STEM subjects... it doesn't really go into enough depth for immediate application in a specialized field."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Introducing Assessment for Learning. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.