PGCE Assessment for Learning 2

Question 1

What is the difference between formative and summative assessment?

Accepted Answer

Formative assessment informs ongoing learning; summative assessment measures attainment at a point in time

Answer

Formative assessment is always written; summative is always oral

Answer

Formative is for primary, summative is for secondary

Answer

Summative assessment always involves external examiners

Question 2

What does 'self-assessment' require pupils to do, and why is it a valuable AfL strategy?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate their own work against success criteria, developing metacognitive awareness and ownership of learning

Answer

To mark their own tests for grades

Answer

To replace teacher assessment

Answer

To rank themselves against peers

Question 3

What is 'peer assessment' and what are the conditions for it to be effective?

Accepted Answer

Pupils evaluating each other's work against shared success criteria — effective when criteria are clear, training is provided, and the classroom culture is safe

Answer

Pupils marking each other for grades

Answer

Replacing teacher marking with pupil marking in all cases

Answer

An approach that works without preparation or clear criteria

Question 4

What is 'think-pair-share' and how does it support AfL?

Accepted Answer

Pupils think individually, discuss with a partner, then share with the class — giving thinking time, safe rehearsal, and evidence of understanding for the teacher

Answer

A grouping strategy for SEND pupils only

Answer

A behaviour management technique

Answer

A homework activity

Question 5

What does Hattie's research in 'Visible Learning' identify as the most powerful influence on pupil achievement?

Accepted Answer

Feedback

Answer

Teacher experience

Answer

Class size

Answer

Technology in the classroom

Question 6

What is 'Assessment for Learning' sometimes called to distinguish it from summative testing?

Accepted Answer

Formative assessment

Answer

Continuous assessment

Answer

Diagnostic assessment

Answer

Ipsative assessment