A video from www.teachers.tv:
Note: This video has been shortened by 6 minutes, a segment on science has been removed.
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Synopsis (from http://www.teachers.tv/clip/18177)
In this programme we visit Valentine’s High School in Ilford where the teaching and learning group are spearheading a whole-school strategy for Assessment for Learning.
At an evening meeting we see teachers brainstorming ideas and offering feedback on experimental work undertaken in their own departments.
Science teacher Richard Griffin uses Key Questions with Year 9, but also grapples with more complex ways of questioning pupils to deepen their understanding.
Maths teacher Vicky Inman combines “Traffic Lights” and “No Hands Up” techniques with her Year 9 class. She comments on their value as tools for inclusion in a subject that traditionally alienates many pupils.
In addition, Vicky discusses the excitement of getting positive responses from students rather than the usual sea of blank faces.
Back at the meeting, we hear views on the deeper meaning of AFL that lies beneath the surface “ticklist” of strategies.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I liked the strategy. You could do thumbs up or down instead of the lights.
Also, shouldn’t it have been the kids coming up with the questions instead of the teachers in that meeting?
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March 24th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Questioning strategies need to promote advance thinking. Students can be more engaged if they are drawn in through “fat” questions.
Interesting to see a teacher have a “no hands policy” for students aftewr a question is asked. Not a typical approach. Would like to try this approach in a class.
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March 24th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Very innovative approach to using AFL in the classroom - traffic light/no hands up is a win win teaching method. Gives students a safe way to interact with material being taught, engages the learner in the teaching process, and gives the teacher a bird’s eye view of each student’s progress.
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March 24th, 2008 at 11:40 am
A revealing look inside of a British school’s implementation of AFL strategies. Particular emphasis was placed on in-class footage from a “Maths” class, where the teacher was using the following AFL techniques: 1) “Traffic lights” 2) “No Hands Up” policy.
I agree with D Law, in that STUDENTS should be coming up with AFL strategies, at least in conjunction with staff.
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March 24th, 2008 at 11:40 am
We believe that a large majority of us are actually using AFL practices without knowingly acknowledging them as “AFL STRATEGIES.” They are important to use purposefully to assess and plan, not just as another strategy in the classroom. It is very similar to Madeline Hunter’s idea of “checking for understanding,” but by formalizing it as an assessment that will inform the next steps of the lesson, it is put to effective use.
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