Assessment The role of context Asturias Feb, 2009 Keith Kelly

Embedded context

BICS and CALP

Activity Description The teacher asked the pupils to investigate the relationship between the size of a jar in which a candle burns and the length of time for which it burns. The pupils then analysed their results and explained them using scientific knowledge. They evaluated their methods and suggested improvements.

What language? List the language features of the task you just discussed.

Assessment Level 5 … When the investigation involves a fair test, they identify key factors to be considered. Where appropriate, they make predictions based on their scientific knowledge and understanding. They select apparatus for a range of tasks and plan to use it effectively. They make a series of observations, comparisons or measurements with precision appropriate to the task. They begin to repeat observations and measurements and to offer simple explanations for any differences they encounter. They record observations and measurements systematically and, where appropriate, present data as line graphs. They draw conclusions that are consistent with the evidence and begin to relate these to scientific knowledge and understanding. They make practical suggestions about how their working methods could be improved. They use appropriate scientific language and conventions to communicate quantitative and qualitative data.

Assessment Level 5 … When the investigation involves a fair test, they identify key factors to be considered. Where appropriate, they make predictions based on their scientific knowledge and understanding. They select apparatus for a range of tasks and plan to use it effectively. They make a series of observations, comparisons or measurements with precision appropriate to the task. They begin to repeat observations and measurements and to offer simple explanations for any differences they encounter. They record observations and measurements systematically and, where appropriate, present data as line graphs. They draw conclusions that are consistent with the evidence and begin to relate these to scientific knowledge and understanding. They make practical suggestions about how their working methods could be improved. They use appropriate scientific language and conventions to communicate quantitative and qualitative data.

Sample Work 1

Sample Work 2

CLIL Assessment Approaches Content and CEF (Example 1) General content and language descriptors (Example 2) Ongoing data collection (Example 3-5) Peer evaluation (Example 6)

Content and CEF

General content and language descriptors

Ongoing data collection 1

Ongoing data collection 2

Ongoing data collection 3

Gibbons on assessment Asking questions to guide assessment Scaffolding Language Scaffolding Learning, Heinemann, 2002

Peer assessment

CLIL Assessment Processes Does the course teach mainly: –Subject knowledge? –Language ability? –Both? Does the course teach mainly: –Listening / reading? –Speaking / writing Assess what course aims to teach

Assess the risk High risk: Speaking: long/short responses Medium risk Writing: long/short responses Medium low risk: Reading/listening: Multiple choice True/false Matching Sequencing etc Low risk: Visual/symbolic responses label a diagram/graph/map use mathematical symbols

Profiling Assess several times over a period, formally or informally Use a set of subject/language knowledge statements

Portfolio Assess over a period of time using a collection of varied responses (e.g. test results, visuals, texts, oral responses, self- assessments, etc)

Self-assessment Use a set of know/can do statements (subject or language knowledge)

Band scales for grading Assess using a scale showing degrees of subject/language knowledge

Snowflake Perfect and symmetrical

Diamond Perfect but asymmetrical

Asymmetrical development