Glendale East PS started its Visible Learning journey in 2017, and initial planning involved analysing the positive teaching strategies from the 138 influences on student achievement from Professor John Hattie's research. Formative assessment, a high impact strategy proven to improve student learning outcomes, was chosen as a focus for the school's strategic plan.
Formative assessment provides a range of strategies that make the learning visible to the teacher and more importantly to the student. A key aspect of this strategy is for teachers to share the learning goal with students. Teachers at Glendale East have been collaboratively analysing student assessment to set whole class and individual learning goals in English and Mathematics. The learning intention and associated purpose are clearly articulated to students every lesson.
Learning goals are visually displayed in the classroom. Examples include: We Are Learning To (WALT) and Success Criteria, Bump it Up Walls, and displaying exemplary student work using the acronym WAGOLL - What A Good One Looks Like.
Learning goals have been effective in students knowing what they are learning, what successful work looks like and how they will be assessed. This means that the learning is not a secret.
Another essential part of formative assessment is the use of assessment feedback. Teachers have been provided professional learning in how to deliver effective feedback related to the qualities of the student work. They have been identifying some positive aspects, an area to improve and sharing strategies with students to make future improvements in their learning. Feedback is providing Glendale East students with a clear understanding of how they are going and what they need to next to achieve their goal.
Students are also encouraged to be active participants in their own learning by assessing another student's work known as peer assessment. In addition to peer assessment students are assessing their own progress towards their goal according to the success criteria known as self-assessment.
By providing Glendale East students with a clearer understanding of what they are learning, what successful work looks like and continuous feedback, they are becoming self-reflective critical thinkers, a major aspect of 21st Century learning.