Assessment in Context – Teaching and Reporting

Assessment is part of a school’s practice that includes effective and efficient teaching. While this is not the focus of this publication, it is worth referencing the need to develop effective and efficient assessment alongside quality teaching practices.

What is High Impact Teaching?

High Impact Teaching is a teaching approach that focuses on the use of evidence-based practices that have been shown to have a significant impact on student learning outcomes. It involves using a variety of teaching strategies and techniques to engage students and promote deep learning, such as active learning, peer instruction, formative assessment and feedback.

High Impact Teaching also involves creating a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes, and where they are encouraged to participate actively in their own learning. This can be achieved through the use of collaborative and inclusive teaching practices, such as group work and discussion, as well as the use of technology and multimedia resources.

The goal of High Impact Teaching is to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits, as well as to promote lifelong learning and personal growth. By focusing on evidence-based practices that have been shown to be effective, teachers can maximise their impact on student learning and help their students reach their full potential.

Good Teaching Means Engaging and Intentional Teaching

All teaching should engage the students as learners. It should seek to make connections with their prior knowledge, a point of interest and an understanding of how it supports their growth – both academic and personal.

Intentional teaching refers to a deliberate and purposeful approach to teaching that is focused on achieving specific learning outcomes for students. It involves thoughtful planning and the use of evidence-based teaching practices that are tailored to meet the needs of individual learners.

Intentional teaching emphasises the importance of setting clear learning objectives and goals, developing appropriate instructional strategies and using ongoing assessment and feedback to monitor student progress and adjust instruction as needed. It involves creating a learning environment that is engaging, challenging and supportive, and providing opportunities for students to actively participate in their own learning.

Intentional teaching is based on the idea that effective teaching is a deliberate and intentional act that requires careful planning and preparation. It emphasises the importance of building strong relationships with students, understanding their individual needs and strengths, and using a range of teaching strategies and resources to support their learning. Ultimately, intentional teaching aims to help students achieve their full potential and become successful, lifelong learners.

Whole School Approach to Assessment

Quality Assessment in Summary

In education, the critical aspect of quality assessment is to ensure that students are learning and making progress toward meeting the learning objectives and standards set for the course or program. This involves a range of strategies to assess and evaluate student learning, including tests, exams, projects, essays and other forms of assessment.

Quality assessment in education is designed to provide accurate and reliable information about student learning so that educators can identify areas where students need additional support, as well as areas where they are excelling. This information can be used to adjust instruction, provide feedback to students and make decisions about curriculum and course improvement.

Other key aspects of quality assessment in education include ensuring that assessments are fair, valid and reliable and that they align with learning objectives and standards. It is also important to consider the diverse needs and backgrounds of students and to use multiple forms of assessment to gather a complete picture of student learning. Overall, quality assessment is an essential part of effective teaching and learning and plays a critical role in ensuring that students are prepared for success in their future academic studies or vocational education and, eventually, their careers.