- Curriculum for Wales
Fostering Critical Thinkers: RM Compare in the Humanities Classroom
This is the fourth post in our 10 part series offering a Welsh Curriculum practitioners guide to RM Compare.
The Challenge of Assessing Critical Thinking
In the Humanities, Welsh teachers face a unique challenge: how to effectively assess critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to construct well-reasoned arguments. The new Curriculum for Wales emphasizes the development of ethical, informed citizens capable of engaging with complex societal issues. Traditional assessment methods often struggle to capture these higher-order thinking skills. RM Compare offers a innovative solution to this challenge, providing a platform for more nuanced evaluation of pupils' work in History, Geography, Religious Education, and other Humanities subjects.
RM Compare: A New Approach to Humanities Assessment
RM Compare introduces comparative judgement to the assessment process, allowing teachers to evaluate essays, projects, and presentations in a more holistic manner. Instead of breaking down work into discrete components with rigid marking criteria, educators can compare pieces of work directly, making informed judgements about their relative quality. This approach aligns closely with the nature of Humanities subjects, where the strength of an argument often transcends the sum of its parts.
Evaluating Argument and Analysis
One of the key strengths of RM Compare in Humanities assessment is its ability to capture the quality of argument and analysis. Teachers can assess how well pupils construct arguments, use evidence, and draw conclusions. The comparative approach allows for a more nuanced evaluation of these skills, recognising that strong critical thinking can manifest in various ways.
Encouraging Multiple Perspectives
The Humanities are characterised by multiple perspectives and interpretations. RM Compare supports this aspect of the subjects by allowing teachers to value diverse approaches to topics. Rather than penalizing pupils for unconventional ideas, the tool enables educators to recognize and reward well-reasoned arguments, even if they diverge from mainstream interpretations.
Supporting Source Analysis Skills
In subjects like History, the ability to analyze and interpret sources is crucial. RM Compare can be used to assess pupils' responses to source material, evaluating their ability to extract information, consider bias, and contextualize evidence. The comparative approach allows teachers to distinguish between superficial and deep engagement with sources.
Assessing Extended Writing
Extended writing is a key component of Humanities subjects. RM Compare excels in the assessment of essays and research projects, allowing teachers to consider factors such as structure, coherence, and the development of ideas. The tool's flexibility means that teachers can focus on the aspects of writing most relevant to their specific subject and task.
Integrating Cross-curricular Skills
The Humanities play a crucial role in developing cross-curricular skills such as literacy, numeracy, and digital competence. RM Compare allows teachers to assess how well pupils integrate these skills into their Humanities work. For example, teachers can evaluate the use of data in Geography projects or the application of digital research skills in History essays.
Fostering Ethical Reasoning
A key aim of the new curriculum is to develop ethical, informed citizens. RM Compare supports this goal by allowing teachers to assess pupils' engagement with ethical issues. Whether it's evaluating arguments in a Religious Education essay or assessing the consideration of multiple stakeholders in a Geography project, the tool provides a platform for nuanced evaluation of ethical reasoning.
Supporting Formative Assessment
RM Compare is not just a tool for summative assessment; it excels in supporting formative assessment practices. Teachers can use the tool to provide ongoing feedback, helping pupils understand their progress and areas for improvement in their critical thinking and analytical skills. This aligns with the curriculum's emphasis on assessment for learning.
Collaborative Moderation in Humanities
RM Compare opens up new possibilities for collaborative assessment in the Humanities. Teachers can engage in moderation exercises, comparing their judgements with colleagues to build a shared understanding of quality in pupils' work. This collaborative approach not only enhances consistency in assessment but also contributes to the professional development of Humanities educators.
The Future of Humanities Assessment
As education continues to evolve, so too must assessment practices in the Humanities. RM Compare is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a flexible platform that can adapt to emerging priorities in Humanities education. Future developments may include features for assessing multimedia presentations or collaborative projects, ensuring the tool remains relevant in an ever-changing educational landscape.
Conclusion: Nurturing Tomorrow's Thinkers
By adopting RM Compare for Humanities assessment, Welsh teachers are embracing a more sophisticated approach to evaluating critical thinking and analytical skills. This approach not only aligns with the new curriculum's vision but also prepares pupils for the complex challenges of the modern world. As educators continue to explore the possibilities offered by RM Compare, they are helping to shape a generation of ethical, informed citizens capable of engaging critically with the world around them.