Abstract:

Assessment comprises an integral part of classroom practice and its effective use can have a significant impact on improving learning and teaching. However, a review of research on teacher training programme indicates that most student teachers entering the teaching profession are not adequately prepared to effectively use assessment, and thus, lack the pedagogical implications of such practices for improving learning. To address this challenge, an integrated assessment programme was piloted to develop student teachers’ knowledge and skills for effectively using assessment in the classroom.

This paper provides a detail outline of the programme, and how it was implemented, highlighting the theoretical and conceptual framework used to identify the specific knowledge and skills required by teachers, as well as teaching methods applied to present this course. The paper also presents findings from the pilot study involving final year students. The findings are based on classroom observations conducted during the students’ teaching practice, and responses of students regarding their experiences during lecture sessions as well during their teaching practice term. The paper concludes by noting key challenges encountered in the development, implementation and evaluation of the programme and lists implications for improving future teacher training courses in the area of assessment.

Keywords:

Teacher training in assessment, in-service programmes, assessment for learning.