The analogy of whether weighing a pig makes it fatter seems to refer to the debate over whether assessment is an effective way of raising standards. This introduces the dichotomy of whether summative or formative assessment is the most useful tool for raising standards.
There may also be variables which impact on the success of assessment procedures: one of the central factors may be the role of the subject leader in assessment policies, although the ethos of the school and socio-demographic factors of the area it is situated in may also be influential. ‘Weighing the pig’ seems to be polysemous in that there are multiple ways of raising standards, some of which do not use any kind of assessment. This essay will examine the above factors and attempt to come to a tentative conclusion about the best way to raise standards.
This paper is supported by a wealth of contemporary educational literature and theories, as well as considering a psychological perspective. It is also informed by a number of appendices collected through the author's personal teaching practice and research.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Defining Standards and Assessment
- The Role of Leadership and School Ethos
- Identifying and Supporting Gifted and Talented Learners
- Promoting Well-being and Addressing Potential Challenges
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay examines the multifaceted approaches to raising standards in education, focusing on the interplay between assessment methods (summative and formative), leadership roles, school ethos, and the specific needs of gifted and talented learners. The aim is to explore effective strategies for improving student outcomes while considering the well-being of both students and teachers.
- The effectiveness of different assessment methods in raising standards.
- The influence of leadership and school culture on student achievement.
- Strategies for identifying and supporting gifted and talented learners.
- The importance of student well-being in academic success.
- Balancing high expectations with the potential for student stress and burnout.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage by using the analogy of "weighing a pig" to illustrate the debate surrounding the effectiveness of assessment in improving educational standards. It introduces the central question of whether summative or formative assessment is more beneficial and highlights other influential factors such as leadership roles, school ethos, and socio-demographic contexts. The essay aims to explore these factors and propose a balanced approach to raising standards.
Defining Standards and Assessment: This section delves into the definition of educational standards, exploring the traditional view of standards as measurable through summative assessments and contrasting it with a more holistic perspective that incorporates formative assessment and the development of students' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) aspects. It suggests that a synthesis of both approaches, incorporating informal learning experiences, could be most beneficial for student growth.
The Role of Leadership and School Ethos: This section examines the influence of leadership and school culture on raising standards. It discusses the role of subject leaders in assessment policies, highlighting the importance of both rigorous subject expertise and strong working relationships with staff. The section emphasizes the significance of a positive school ethos, suggesting that a vocation-oriented approach, where teachers are intrinsically motivated, can lead to increased productivity and higher standards.
Identifying and Supporting Gifted and Talented Learners: This section explores the identification and support of gifted and talented (G&T) learners. It discusses the use of summative assessments like SATS and Cognitive Ability Tests (CATs) alongside formative assessment techniques, emphasizing the need to consider students' well-being and provide detailed, constructive feedback. The section also highlights the potential for involving parents in the assessment process and the importance of recognizing "submerged talent."
Promoting Well-being and Addressing Potential Challenges: This section focuses on strategies to improve the well-being of able learners and mitigate the potential negative impacts of high-pressure environments. It discusses the use of collaborative activities to boost confidence and the application of peer-mediated instruction, drawing on Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) theory. The section also acknowledges the potential for stress and burnout among gifted students and suggests strategies to support their emotional well-being.
Keywords
Summative assessment, formative assessment, educational standards, leadership, school ethos, gifted and talented learners, student well-being, teacher performance, peer teaching, cognitive ability, constructive feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions: Raising Standards in Education
What is the overall focus of this essay?
The essay examines multifaceted approaches to raising standards in education. It focuses on the interplay between assessment methods (summative and formative), leadership roles, school ethos, and the specific needs of gifted and talented learners. The aim is to explore effective strategies for improving student outcomes while prioritizing student and teacher well-being.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the effectiveness of different assessment methods, the influence of leadership and school culture on student achievement, strategies for identifying and supporting gifted and talented learners, the importance of student well-being in academic success, and balancing high expectations with the potential for student stress and burnout.
What types of assessment are discussed?
The essay discusses both summative and formative assessment methods. It explores their relative effectiveness in raising standards and advocates for a balanced approach that incorporates both, along with informal learning experiences.
What is the role of leadership and school ethos in raising standards?
The essay emphasizes the crucial role of leadership and school culture. It highlights the importance of strong subject leadership, effective collaboration among staff, and a positive school ethos where teachers are intrinsically motivated. A vocation-oriented approach is suggested to boost productivity and improve standards.
How does the essay address gifted and talented learners?
The essay explores strategies for identifying and supporting gifted and talented (G&T) learners. It discusses the use of both summative assessments (like SATS and CATs) and formative assessment techniques, emphasizing the importance of considering students' well-being and providing constructive feedback. The involvement of parents and addressing "submerged talent" are also highlighted.
How does the essay address student well-being?
The essay emphasizes the importance of student well-being in academic success. It discusses strategies to mitigate the potential negative impacts of high-pressure environments, including collaborative activities, peer-mediated instruction (drawing on Vygotsky's ZPD), and addressing potential stress and burnout among gifted students.
What are the main chapters covered in the essay?
The essay includes chapters on: Introduction (setting the stage and introducing key questions), Defining Standards and Assessment (exploring different assessment approaches), The Role of Leadership and School Ethos (examining the influence of leadership and school culture), Identifying and Supporting Gifted and Talented Learners (focusing on strategies for G&T learners), and Promoting Well-being and Addressing Potential Challenges (addressing student well-being and mitigating potential negative impacts of high-pressure environments).
What keywords best describe the essay's content?
Keywords include: Summative assessment, formative assessment, educational standards, leadership, school ethos, gifted and talented learners, student well-being, teacher performance, peer teaching, cognitive ability, and constructive feedback.
What is the analogy used in the introduction?
The introduction uses the analogy of "weighing a pig" to illustrate the debate surrounding the effectiveness of assessment in improving educational standards, highlighting the complexities and limitations of solely relying on summative assessment.
- Citar trabajo
- Teaching Sam Curran (Autor), 2014, Is Summative or Formative Assessment the best method of assessing pupils?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/419008
