What is the theme of Module 4?

Module 4 of the Early Career Framework (ECF) is designed to support Early Career Teachers (ECTs) in developing their skills and understanding of effective assessment practices. This module addresses Teachers' Standard 6: Make accurate and productive use of assessment.

It is structured to help teachers develop their ability to provide high-quality feedback, plan effective and manageable marking, and put effective marking and feedback practices into place.

They will work closely with their mentors to extend their understanding and practice through a range of learning activities, both face-to-face and online. There will also be opportunities for planning, reflection, and evaluation, where ECTs will further develop their practice.

Start of the module

The module begins with a self-assessment audit against the upcoming Module 4 content, allowing teachers to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. From there, teachers will explore the fundamental principles of formative and summative assessment whilst learning to apply good assessment practice in the classroom.

ECTs will focus on the importance of high-quality feedback and will develop efficient approaches that maximise the impact of assessment on their students.

Module 4 Topics

Fundamental principles of effective assessment

The first topic explores the principles of effective assessment, both formative and summative. It covers the key features of effective assessment, such as being valid, reliable, and fair. ECTs learn about the importance of using assessment to identify gaps in learning, plan next steps, and measure progress towards learning goals.

Applying good assessment practice in the classroom

In this topic, ECTs learn how to apply good assessment practices in the classroom. This includes the use of assessment to inform planning and teaching, as well as to provide feedback to students. ECTs explore different types of assessment, such as observation, questioning, and marking, and how to choose the most appropriate methods for different learning objectives.

Giving high-quality feedback

This topic focuses specifically on the importance of high-quality feedback in the assessment process. ECTs learn how to provide feedback that is constructive, specific, and actionable. They explore different types of feedback, such as written and verbal, and how to tailor feedback to individual student needs.

Planning effective and manageable marking and feedback

This topic looks at strategies for planning and managing marking and feedback effectively. ECTs learn how to use assessment data to plan and target feedback, as well as how to manage the workload associated with marking and feedback.

Putting effective marking and feedback into practice

The final topic of Module 4 is focused on putting effective marking and feedback into practice. ECTs have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in previous topics to their own classroom practice. They work with their mentor to implement strategies for effective marking and feedback, and to evaluate the impact of these

Outcomes of Module 4

By the end of Module 4, teachers will have gained a comprehensive understanding of effective assessment practices and will be able to apply them in their own classroom. They will be able to plan and deliver effective marking and feedback and will be able to put these practices into action in a way that supports student learning.

With the support of their mentors and the resources provided by Best Practice Network, early-career teachers will be well-equipped to make accurate and productive use of assessment in their teaching.

Looking for more information?

If you would like any more information on our ECF programme, get in contact with us:

Email: enquiries@bestpracticenet.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)

View our ECF page