Fundamentals of Assessment: Principles and Practices for the Classroom

Offering a valuable introduction to those beginning their journey into educational assessment, this book provides both teachers and students insights into the challenging world of designing, implementing, and interpreting classroom assessments. School-based assessments are essential in planning for quality teaching and learning, but getting assessments "right" can be a challenging task for teachers, especially those who are new to the profession. It is exacerbated by the fact that because learners often experience assessment last in the lesson cycle, it is also the last consideration in teachers’ minds. This text is divided into four sections: (a) “Foundations of Assessment”, (b) “Assessment Design and Development”, (c) “Approaches to Formative Assessment”, and (d) “Sustainable Assessment for the Future”. By the end of the book, readers will have a solid understanding of classroom assessment practices and be equipped to design and implement assessments that support student learning, promote equity and inclusion, and take into account the important psychosocial aspects of assessment (e.g. how it impacts students’ well-being). It is a must read for trainee teachers, education policymakers, and in-service teachers looking to freshen their knowledge of the latest educational assessment innovations.