Assessing and Connecting for Successful Learning

As educators we know that successful learning is not simply about the transfer of knowledge from one person to another. Instead, learners need opportunities to construct their own knowledge and understanding in their own way and at a pace that enables them to make sense of the situations and ideas they encounter. This requires teachers who continually make professional judgements about what to teach, to whom and, importantly, how to teach it.

By using a broad range of approaches to gather evidence about what children know, understand and can do teachers can plan and prepare appropriate experiences for all. This seminar will explore the crucial role of assessment as an integral part of the learning cycle and offer examples from Nursery to Primary 7 of how this practice can be implemented to enhance learning across various aspects of the curriculum. Practical illustrations of the framework for assessment will be included, with a particular focus on the active engagement of the learner.

'Learners do well when engaging fully in their learning, collaborating in planning and shaping and reviewing their progress.' (Curriculum for Excellence: Building the Curriculum 5: A framework for Assessment)

The session will include ideas and illustrations on:

• planning learning from the experiences and outcomes
• facilitating opportunities for peer and self assessment
• using observational assessments
• ensuring progression
• the importance of the debrief or plenary
• collaborative learning
• problem-based learning.

There will be time at the end of the session for discussion, the sharing of practice and questions.

Barbara Gray

Barbara has taught for 31 years in the north east of Scotland and her substantive post is as headteacher of Charleston Nursery Primary School in Aberdeen City, a post she has held since 1999. Like all headteachers around Scotland, she is currently immersed with her staff in taking forward the Curriculum for Excellence agenda.

For the first part of this session Barbara was a member of the Quality Improvement Team in Aberdeen, building on the previous year's secondment as a Curriculum for Excellence Development Officer with responsibility for leading on Learning and Teaching and Numeracy across the Authority.

In January she decided to return to Charleston School, but continues with her Authority lead role in Numeracy.

Between 2005 and 2008 Barbara worked at Learning and Teaching Scotland where she was part of the writing team for Mathematics and Numeracy. During this time she worked with key contacts in local authorities, providing targeted support for the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence, giving presentations and workshops around the country.

Barbara has extensive experience in the development of educational resources, programmes and policies that promote effective learning and teaching. She is a member of the National Numeracy Network and last year accepted the role of Chair of the subgroup on Learning and Teaching. Barbara has also mentored schools and practitioners involved in developing items for the National Assessment Resource. She regularly presents at seminars and conferences, both within Aberdeen City and further afield.