Assessment as inquiry in the early years classroom (Kath Murdoch)

Description

Given current COVID rules, this presentation by Kath Murdoch will be conducted in an online format. Those who have engaged with Kath previously will know that her Zoom workshops share the same hallmarks as her ‘in-person’ presentations, being highly engaging, interactive and responsive to the group. This is an inspiring workshop not to be missed!

Many early years educators believe strongly in creating a classroom culture that values curiosity, exploration, theorising and meaning making. Indeed, early years classrooms are amongst the very best examples of inquiry-based teaching and learning in action.  Despite this, tensions can remain about the ways in which assessment ‘works’ in these environments.  In this workshop, Kath Murdoch will help shine a light on the many opportunities that an inquiry based approach can provide us with insights into children’s learning and how these insights can inform feedback,  reporting,

conversations with children and parents and, of course, our ongoing planning.  This workshop will not only deepen educators understanding of assessment as an act of inquiry but will enhance understanding of inquiry overall:  inquiry teaching, learning and assessment are interwoven and interdependent. 

Through practical examples and opportunities for discussion and sharing, we will explore the following:

• What do we mean by ‘assessment’ in the early years?
• How can we find alignment between assessment practices and our beliefs about learning through inquiry?
• What practices can we embed into our interactions with children that reveal thinking and understanding as they inquire? 
• What practices can we use to gain insight into children’s learning when we are gathered around the ‘planning table?’
• What are we looking for when we assess through inquiry?
• How does a cycle of inquiry present opportunities for assessment? 
• How can we strengthen our listening, observation and documentation to enhance assessment? 
• How can we involve children in assessing their own learning - how to we partner with them in the process?