Overview
The aim of this package is to gain a comprehensive understanding of if and how learning Portfolios attribute to student success in the early years classroom.
Marzano and Pickering (1997) identify Investigation as an effective complex reasoning tool for identifying and resolving issues about which there are confusions or contradictions. A Definitional Investigation is used to construct to a precise definition of a concept for which there is no generally agreed upon definition. This was recognised as the most appropriate investigation model to clear up the confusions surrounding this topic.
Marzano and Pickering (1997) identify Investigation as an effective complex reasoning tool for identifying and resolving issues about which there are confusions or contradictions. A Definitional Investigation is used to construct to a precise definition of a concept for which there is no generally agreed upon definition. This was recognised as the most appropriate investigation model to clear up the confusions surrounding this topic.
The Investigative model
The model below represent the process which was used to guide the investigation.
1. Clearly Identify the concept to be defined
The first step taken was to clearly identify the concept to be defined and state this in the form of a question:
"Are Portfolios An Effective Form Of Assessment For Mapping The Progress Of Learners In The Early Years Classroom"
2. Identify what is already known or agreed upon
To guide the research two main focusing questions were used:
"What are the important features of a portfolio?
"What are the defining characteristics of effective assessment in the early years classroom?"
Initial predictions were recorded before expert advice was sought in the form of academic papers, policy and curriculum documents such as the Early Years Learning Framework. In addition to academic research original data was also collected by interviewing a group of Early Childhood Professionals regarding their use of Portfolios for assessment.
3. Identify and explain the confusion and contradiction
The collated data was examined to identify areas where the opinions of experts differed and these confusions were further explored.
4. Develop and defend a plausible resolution to the confusion or contradiction
Lastly, the conclusions were contrasted with initial predictions and findings were presented in the form of a resolution to the question.
1. Clearly Identify the concept to be defined
The first step taken was to clearly identify the concept to be defined and state this in the form of a question:
"Are Portfolios An Effective Form Of Assessment For Mapping The Progress Of Learners In The Early Years Classroom"
2. Identify what is already known or agreed upon
To guide the research two main focusing questions were used:
"What are the important features of a portfolio?
"What are the defining characteristics of effective assessment in the early years classroom?"
Initial predictions were recorded before expert advice was sought in the form of academic papers, policy and curriculum documents such as the Early Years Learning Framework. In addition to academic research original data was also collected by interviewing a group of Early Childhood Professionals regarding their use of Portfolios for assessment.
3. Identify and explain the confusion and contradiction
The collated data was examined to identify areas where the opinions of experts differed and these confusions were further explored.
4. Develop and defend a plausible resolution to the confusion or contradiction
Lastly, the conclusions were contrasted with initial predictions and findings were presented in the form of a resolution to the question.
Table & Investigation Model taken from Dimensions of Learning Teachers Manual (Marzano & Pickering, 1997)
In addition to constructing a precise definition of the topic. It is hoped that this professional development package will guide and assist other pre-service students and teachers in identifying how assessment contributes to the educational success for various learners and provide them with the tools necessary to identify and resolve issues about which there are confusions or contradictions.