- Opinion
RM Compare and Phys Ed
Rethinking Assessment in Physical Education: A New Approach
There's a joke that often circulates among educators:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't do, Teach. Those who can't teach, tech PE."
Surprisingly, this is sometimes used in a self-deprecating manner by PE teachers themselves. As a former PE teacher with over 20 years of experience, I can attest to the truth behind this jest. But why does this perception exist?
The Challenge of Assessing Physical Education - we treasure what we measure
Physical education (PE) often struggles to gain the same respect as other academic subjects. One of the primary reasons is the difficulty in assessing PE using traditional methods. Unlike subjects where tests and written assignments can easily measure student performance, PE requires a more nuanced approach to capture the skills, improvement, and engagement of students. This challenge in assessment often leads to PE being undervalued in the curriculum, resulting in limited time and funding.
How Comparative Judgement Can Transform PE Assessment
Comparative Judgement allows educators to assess students by comparing their performances against each other rather than against a fixed set of criteria. This method acknowledges the subjective nature of PE and provides a more holistic view of student abilities. For instance, it can be used to evaluate students' progress in skills like coordination, balance, and sportsmanship, which are difficult to quantify with traditional assessments.
RM Compare, a tool designed to facilitate Comparative Judgement, has been used effectively in various educational settings to address similar challenges. By leveraging this tool, PE teachers can gain deeper insights into student development and create a fairer, more engaging assessment process
Setting new standards - school groups
The comparative approach allows a new approach to standardisation across school groups, for example Multi-Academy Trusts.
The Benefits of Embracing New Assessment Models
Adopting a new approach to assessment in PE can have several benefits:
- Improved Student Engagement: When students understand that their progress is being assessed in a fair and comprehensive manner, they are more likely to engage with the subject.
- Enhanced Teacher Insight: Teachers can better identify areas where students excel or need improvement, allowing for more targeted instruction.
- Increased Respect for PE: Demonstrating the impact of PE through robust assessment can help secure more curriculum time and resources.
Conclusion
It's time to move beyond the outdated perceptions of physical education and recognize its vital role in fostering holistic development in students. By embracing innovative assessment methods like Comparative Judgement, we can ensure that PE is valued as an integral part of the educational experience. This shift not only benefits students but also empowers educators to deliver more meaningful and impactful PE lessons