In this article, two recent case studies are used to give examples of how Assessment Resource Bank (ARB) resources, along with other assessment tools, are being used for both formative and summative purposes in a primary and intermediate school. Staff at both these schools engage in a detailed analysis of ...

Research suggests that teachers need a great deal of professional support if they are to acquire and use new knowledge and skills, but within the area of formative assessment teachers have often been expected implement policy with little help or support. A research project investigating the factors that have shaped ...

In November 2001, NZCER conducted a survey of the English and mathematics assessment practices of teachers at Years 5, 7, and 9. Initiatives such as the changes made to the National Administration Guidelines (NAGs), the new literacy and numeracy initiative Assessment Tools for Teaching and Learning (asTTle), the introduction of ...

This is the second of two articles in this issue of set based on some of the major findings from the survey of classroom assessment practices in English and mathematics at Years 5, 7, and 9 carried out by NZCER in November 2001. The first article briefly described the methodology ...

This issue of set contains a major feature section – seven articles in all – on assessment. The amount of research being carried out in this area indicates that assessment is still one of the key issues for educators and policy makers.

A study of how Otago primary school teachers were implementing environmental education investigated the strategies teachers use and the factors that assist them, especially in terms of implementing education “for” the environment. The findings indicate misconceptions among primary teachers regarding environmental education, and point to the need for education in ...

Charles Darr reports on his experience in creating a mathematics test using asTTle, comments on his perceptions, and discusses some of the strengths and weaknesses of this new assessment package for teachers.

Starting school is a major life event for all involved: children, families, preschool educators, and school staff. All groups engage in a range of activities designed to make the time of transition to school positive. Yet each group has different perceptions of, expectations for, and experiences with this transition. The ...

Six UK secondary schools investigated whole-class interactive teaching of mathematics, identified its key characteristics, and put it into effective use in their own classrooms.

The difficulties many students experience in learning to read frequently relate to a lack of strategies and confidence. Learning to read is readily accepted as one of the most complex behaviours we will ever strive to master. Reading underpins much of a student’s education, so experiencing difficulty in this area ...