Assessment
Many teachers take the view that assessment of problem solving should be informal and observational. Teachers watch, listen and talk to the pupils. In general they do not attempt to attach levels to the pupils’ performance in problem solving.
Five teachers in this video clip explain their approach to assessment. They are Fiona Hislop from Airlie Primary School, Robyn Robertson from Urafirth Primary School, Lynne Milroy from Balfron Primary School, Pamela Cassidy from Wemyss Bay Primary School and Brendan McCloskey from St Andrew’s Primary School.
Points to consider
What is it that each teacher is trying to assess?
Should pupils be told what the teacher is assessing when he or she is observing them?
Do these teachers record the results of their observations?
| Video 1: Informal assessment | |
|---|---|
| Description | Five teachers discuss their informal, observational approach to the assessment of problem solving |
| Duration | 1 |
| Windows version |  Windows Media video: Informal assessment |
| Mac version |  QuickTime movie: Informal assessment |
| Transcript | Informal assessment |
Ideas and links
- Airlie Primary School
Headteacher Fiona Hislop’s views on assessment.
- Urafirth Primary School
Assessment in a P2 class.
- Balfron Primary School
Assessment of P2 pupils.
- Wemyss Bay Primary School
Recording and assessing in P4.
- St Andrew’s Primary School
Assessing P7 pupils’ approaches.