Challenges of implementing formative assessment at Nazarbayev Intellectual School
Loading...
Date
2017-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education
Abstract
Formative assessment is world trend in educational assessment. There have been various studies aimed at exploring its impact and effectiveness in teaching and learning all around the globe. However, this assessment instrument is quite recent for Kazakhstani educational context. The purpose of this study was to discover NIS teachers’ experiences and professional stories regarding formative assessment so as to identify key difficulties and challenges they face in implementing it. It was also focused on identifying teachers’ attitudes towards formative assessment and ways of increasing its effectiveness in school. The study was conducted in one of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools which has been using formative assessment as a main instrument for measuring students’ achievements in learning. Qualitative research design was used to provide deep exploration of the phenomenon. The participants were experienced and non-experienced teachers of different subjects which allowed to look at classroom assessment from various perspectives.
The study revealed that teachers’ main challenges are related to insufficient knowledge and experience in formative assessment. Moreover, students’ attitudes and roles in assessment were found to be an important factor that may create obstacles for teachers. Consequently, professional development courses and teachers’ collaborative work were suggested for improving the current situation.
Formative assessment was proved to be a powerful tool for increasing student achievement in learning. However, the study shows that its success is highly dependent on teachers’ professionalism. Therefore, the findings of the research allow both policymakers and school administration to see the issues that have to be addressed in order to create favorable conditions for effective classroom assessment in Kazakhstani education.
Description
Keywords
classroom assessment, challenges, reform, assessment policy, teachers, Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Education
Citation
Akhmedina, Assel. (2017) Challenges of implementing formative assessment at Nazarbayev Intellectual School. Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education