Development and exemplification of a model for Teacher Assessment in Primary Science

Davies, D. J, Earle, S ORCID: 0000-0002-6155-1098, McMahon, K, Howe, A and Collier, C (2017) 'Development and exemplification of a model for Teacher Assessment in Primary Science.' International Journal of Science Education, 39 (14). pp. 1869-1890.

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Abstract

The Teacher Assessment in Primary Science project is funded by the Primary Science Teaching Trust and based at Bath Spa University. The study aims to develop a whole-school model of valid, reliable and manageable teacher assessment to inform practice and make a positive impact on primary-aged children’s learning in science. The model is based on a data-flow ‘pyramid’ (analogous to the flow of energy through an ecosystem), whereby the rich formative assessment evidence gathered in the classroom is summarised for monitoring, reporting and evaluation purposes [Nuffield Foundation. (2012). Developing policy, principles and practice in primary school science assessment. London: Nuffield Foundation]. Using a design-based research (DBR) methodology, the authors worked in collaboration with teachers from project schools and other expert groups to refine, elaborate, validate and operationalise the data-flow ‘pyramid’ model, resulting in the development of a whole-school self-evaluation tool. In this paper, we argue that a DBR approach to theory-building and school improvement drawing upon teacher expertise has led to the identification, adaptation and successful scaling up of a promising approach to school self-evaluation in relation to assessment in science.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Primary science education, teacher assessment, formative assessment, design-based research
Divisions:	School of Education
UoA:	Education
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2017 09:54
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2023 05:30
ISSN:	0950-0693
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/10060

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