Formative assessment is the most important part of my teaching. It underpins everything I do. Teaching without formative assessment is like teaching with your eyes closed.
In this course we look at what a world without formative assessment would be like (spoiler alert: it is not great), and what I used to do (aka "dodgy formative assessment"). We look at the 3-stage process for using Diagnostic Questions in each of my lessons, the role of technology, and how to find some amazing, free collections of questions. We look at how we can use the 100+ million answers on Diagnostic Questions to Plan for Error, play Beat the Nation, and introduce a collaborative structure to enable colleagues to have stimulating, pedagogy-focused discussions. We end the course with a tour of diagnosticquestions.com and eedi.com. Oh, and if you are lucky, we might also play Guess the Misconception.
Please see the bottom of the page for FAQs about suitability, cost, payment options, and more.
Contents
Introduction
What is this course all about, and how can you get the most out of it?
Is this course suitable for primary school teachers?
I am a secondary school maths teacher by training, and I make no claim whatsoever to have any expertise in the domain on primary teaching. However, I have been lucky enough to run this Formative Assessment course many times with primary colleagues, and it seems to go down well. Indeed, of all the workshops I run, this one perhaps has the most cross-phase cross-over. I will use examples of questions from all age groups, and specifically show where to access questions for students aged 4 through the 16.
Is this course suitable for non-maths teachers?
I believe the principles of formative assessment, and the structure for asking and responding to a Diagnostic Question in the classroom are transferable across subjects, but I must offer a big word of warning that all of the examples used in this course are mathematical. The onus will be on the delegate to take the core ideas, strategies and principles and adapt them for their subject.
Is this course suitable for non-UK teachers?
Yes! I have been lucky enough to work with teachers all around the world, and I ensure wherever possible that my courses are not tied to any specific curriculum or specification. I am confident that aside form my weird accent, teachers from other countries will find most of the ideas relevant and transferable.
How long can I access the course content for?
As long as this platform exists! That is one of the key advantages of an online course - you can go back over the content again and again.
If, for whatever reason, the platform shuts down or I need to remove content, I will give you as much notice as possible (I will aim for at least 6 months) so you can complete the courses.
In addition, from time to time I will update the course content with new videos, resources and ideas. I will email you when this happens and you will have access to this as well for no extra cost.
Can I pay with an invoice instead of online?
The easiest way to pay is online. The service accepts all major cards as well as PayPal. Paying this way gives you immediate access to the course.
But if you need to pay via invoice, then no problem! Just send an email to mrbartonmaths@gmail.com with details of:
1. The email addresses of the delegates taking the course
2. Your school name and address
3. Who to email to invoice to
Then I will send you an invoice and register your colleagues on the course.
Can I get a VAT receipt?
Of course!
If you have paid online, just login, click on the drop-down menu next to your picture on the top-right of the screen, select Billing and you can print off your VAT receipt(s) there.
If you pay-offline (by emailing me as described above) then I will email you an invoice which will serve as your VAT receipt.
Can I buy one pass and then share it with my colleagues?
I am afraid not. The price of each course is per person.
Each person who pays for the course has their own log-in details, so the platform can keep track of their individual progress. This allows you to log back on using any device and pick up where you left off.
Are there discounts available?
If you want to purchase a bundle of passes for the courses - perhaps you have a large department or you are part of an Academy chain - send me an email telling me what you have in mind, and hopefully we can reach a deal!
