Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study is an examination of what teacher preparation institutions in the Canadian province of Alberta are teaching student teachers about ‘assessment-for-learning’ practices. A large body of research exists to show that assessment-for-learning practices are among the best tools educators have for improving student learning; therefore, it is important that assessment-for-learning practices be taught to prospective teachers. As a school administrator, I had encountered many first-year teachers who seemed to be lacking knowledge and skills in assessment-for-learning practices and I sought to determine whether or not the deficiencies could be traced to inadequate preparation during their undergraduate training. Interviews were conducted with instructors at seven Alberta education faculties on whether and how assessment-for-learning practices were integrated into their teacher education programs. There is some variance in the way courses are organized to teach assessment-for-learning practices to student teachers; some schools having a designated course on assessment, others embedding assessment into other teacher preparation courses. Overall, the findings in this study suggest that Alberta education faculties are providing future teachers with training in assessment-for-learning practices. Further research into other areas of teacher preparation and/or induction would be necessary to determine the reasons for deficiencies in new teacher knowledge of assessment-for-learning practices. This study also includes some recommendations for improving instruction in assessment for learning at Alberta teacher preparation institutions, as well as some suggestions for further study.
Author: G. Nathan Sillito
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
Funder: University of Lethbridge
OpenAlex ID: W1584385818