Active Assessment in Science

Thinking, Learning and Assessment in Science

Information for LEAs, Science Learning Centres and INSET providers:

What is the Active Assessment Project?

  • a project to help teachers link together thinking, learning and assessment in science
  • builds on recent research in formative assessment to improve learning
  • runs from 2004-2007
  • directed by Brenda Keogh and Stuart Naylor
  • supported by GlaxoSmithKline plc and ASE

What do teachers get from the project?

  • a book + interactive CD that provide subject-specific, practical illustrations of how to do assessment for learning in science
  • an INSET package that explains how the materials can be used
  • the book + CD and INSET are available at reduced cost to teachers, thanks to sponsorship from GlaxoSmithKline plc

What's in the book + CD?

  • 32 different strategies to link together thinking, learning and assessment
  • concise guidance notes for each strategy
  • illustrations of each strategy at two age ranges in different science topics
  • illustrations as stand-alone photocopiable activities or interactive CD activities
  • coverage of the full primary-secondary age range

What about the INSET package?

  • the INSET package explains why the materials are useful and illustrates how the strategies can be used at different ages and in different topics
  • the main INSET trainers are Brenda Keogh, Stuart Naylor and John Dabell
  • INSET sessions are provided through ASE, LEAs and Science Learning Centres

What about the cost?

  • the book + CD usually costs £40
  • teachers can obtain the book + CD for £20 through the project
  • charges for the INSET trainers are also subsidised
  • actual cost of INSET sessions depends on how the session is organised; teachers might also need to pay a contribution towards venue costs

What next?

INSET providers should contact Millgate House to discuss possibilities for organising INSET. Teachers should contact their LEA or regional Science Learning Centre.

Millgate House Education Ltd, Unit 1, Zan Industrial Park, Wheelock, Sandbach, CW11 4QD, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1270 764314    Fax: +44 (0)5601 156500     email: info@millgatehouse.co.uk

Publication details

S Naylor and B Keogh with A Goldsworthy (2004) Active assessment: thinking, learning and assessment in science.
ISBN 1-85346-145-X Millgate House/David Fulton Publishers