Study Unit 5 Blog post

We are drawing near to the end of the year and the pressure of all the different subject due dates is increasing.  Being so close to finishing my second year feels great, but taking it day by day in finishing and studying for tests is first on my mind. 

Study Unit 5 in terms of assessment has motivated and inspired me to view it from a different aspect.  Assessment should not be experienced by learners as being judged.  It should be viewed from an inspiring and motivating viewpoint.  The environment in which learners are assessed is crucial in ensuring that they are in a safe space where their true abilities can be measured.  When I think back being a learner in school, often being assessed gave me nerves and then I used to make mistakes.  A true reflection on my abilities would often not be portrayed because of the judged environment felt by me as a child in the classroom.  Luckily times have changed and teachers have tools and resources and skills now that give better results.  Assessment should be seen as a resource used so that learners can learn more and motivate them to learn.  Teachers are in a fortunate position to be transparent about their assessment and explain to learners exactly what they are assessing.  This creates an environment where the learner can immediately know where they need to improve and how they need to improve.  This can only happen when the teacher sets a relaxed and transparent environment. 

In the foundation phase especially, assessment of performing arts is often neglected. Your school also recently appointed a HOD who does not emphasise or prioritise the assessment of music activities to any degree. As a new FP teacher, and considering your training as BEd student, you recognise the importance of assessment as an integral part of the teaching and learning process. You are of the opinion that assessment must be used to enhance both teaching and learning practices

• What could the possible reasons be that assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase?

The reason could be that the HOD may not realise how beneficial and crucial music is to the entire developmental aspect of a child.  The skills developed and the way in which music speaks to the whole child is not considered by the HOD.

• Please explain how you would advocate for and heighten awareness about the importance of assessment when speaking with your HOD about your concerns in this regard.

Enroll different assessment strategies in the classroom and share experiences regularly where positive results are visibly noticeable.  Stipulate how beneficial it is for each learner as a whole to reflect on their own progress and how they engage in conversation regarding learning.  Encourage the HOD to visit your classroom so that he or she can notice how well learner’s learning is progressing and how learning is encouraged through assessment.