An Introduction to Assessment

An Introduction to Assessment is for all who work in education, including those on Education Studies programmes, those in initial teacher training, and practising teachers keen to update their knowledge. This book covers: definitions of educational assessment and the part it plays in relation to individuals, institutions and society historical and sociological perspectives the impact of educational assessment internationally and how this needs to change in the light of globalisation and changing employment needs the advent of assessment as a policy tool with league tables and targets underpinning the overwhelming impact of accountability requirements teacher appraisal and institutional self-evaluation, as well as international indicators assessment for learning new ideas concerning how assessment could be developed in the light of the advent of novel information technologies.  In addressing these things, the author shows that assessment truly is a defining feature of contemporary education, and takes her overview to the cutting edge of thinking in this field with coverage of the scope of e-assessment, and assessment for learning as critically important ways forward. Written in an accessible and engaging style, An Introduction for Assessment is for all those who are seeking a non-technical introduction, yet one that is delivered by a leading academic in the field and offers a fresh look at educational assessment today.

Table of Contents:
Part 1: Understanding Assessment 1: Introducing Assessment Part 2: Assessment in its Social Context 2:  A Bit of History and the Baggage it has Left Us 3: The Myth of Measurement 4:  A World in Thrall: International Assessment Regimes 5: The Contemporary Challenge Part 3 Assessment as a Policy Tool 6: The Evaluative Gaze 7:  The Quality Agenda 8: Indicators and League Tables 9: Assessing professionals  Part 4 Assessment for Learning 10: The Emerging Evidence 11 : New vision, new tools: feedback, self-assessment and portfolios. Part 5: The Way Ahead 12: Breaking the mould 13: Seeing the world anew References Glossary

About the Author :
Patricia Broadfoot is Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Education at the University of Gloucestershire, UK, and former Pro Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Education at the University of Bristol, UK. She has been awarded a CBE.

Review :
"This book puts assessment firmly in its place. Professor Broadfoot provides penetrating insights from history, sociology and comparative studies to challenge many of the myths that have grown up around assessment. She exposes it as a technique of power that can lead to wasted effort, missed opportunities and personal unhappiness. More hopefully, she also explains how assessment can serve truly educational purposes. The book is a lucid contribution to the promotion of assessment literacy and should be read by all those concerned with education, including politicians and journalists." I found it to be a clear, concise and helpful introduction to the topic. I particularly liked the way it looked at different perspectives of a topic e.g. the advantages and disadvantages of performance indicators. For trainee teachers or other students this would be particularly helpful in encouraging critical analysis. The activity boxes, too, were clearly designed to stimulate further thinking and reflection. 'I really like its lay out and written style - very user friendly.' Sue Norman, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Studies and Education Sudies, UWE, Bristol