ABSTRACT
As a teacher you will be assessing children’s learning all the time as you work with your class. As you talk to the class or lead discussion you observe, almost without thinking about it, the way that children are responding to you. Children’s answers to your questions and the ideas they suggest give you clues to the way they are thinking. You learn more as you ask further questions and probe to discover the extent of their understanding. Drummond (1993: 129) sums this up by saying ‘The educator’s observations and assessments are the means by which educational provision becomes more effective, more closely attuned to individuals, and richer in opportunities for all.’ She also points out that ‘Assessment practices are based on the personal value systems of the teachers who make the assessments’ (p. 126).
