To encourage student responsibility for their learning and progress I use assessment for learning grids with my GCSE Geography students. I’ve recently completed the grids for all topics of the course and have also updated them to include the Key Ideas from the specification so thought I would share them.
The idea behind the grids is that they outline the content of the topic to the students, students have the opportunity to reflect on their prior knowledge and understanding of the content and then have the opportunity to reflect on the development of their knowledge and understanding of the topic after completion. This enables my students to identify areas for priority when it comes to revision of the topic. I’ve done similar with the Before and After Topic Review sheets, however the format I’m sharing today is clearer and easier to construct.
I’ve constructed a general template and completed it using the specification content.
Students print these off at the start of the topic and complete the before column using the following key:
Red =I have no prior knowledge of this. Amber = I have some understanding of it but need to deepen my understanding. Green = I already have a sound understanding of this part of the topic.
Afterwards they self-assess with the following key
Red = I do not understand this aspect of the topic and need to make it my revision priority. I may need to seek help. Amber = I have a good understanding of it but need to develop my understanding of this part of the topic. Green = I have a confident understanding of it and could teach it to another student.
We complete ‘past paper questions’ throughout the topic – these are from the SAMs as well as past GCSE papers, some we have constructed ourselves. Students complete the grids as they receive feedback, setting themselves targets for how to improve exam style questions or content to revise. Students regularly have opportunities to act on feedback and demonstrate their progress.
Now the part you probably actually came to this post for… the AfL grids. Click here for them.Â
Hope you can make use of them.
