- Curriculum for Wales
Empowering Learner Voice: RM Compare and Student Self-Assessment
This is the ninth post in our 10-part series offering a Welsh Curriculum practitioners guide to RM Compare.
Shifting the Assessment Paradigm
The new Curriculum for Wales places a strong emphasis on learner agency and metacognition. It recognises that pupils who understand and can reflect on their own learning process are better equipped for lifelong learning. RM Compare offers an innovative way to involve students directly in the assessment process, fostering self-reflection and critical thinking skills.
Students as Active Participants in Assessment
Traditionally, assessment has been something done to students rather than with them. RM Compare changes this dynamic by allowing pupils to engage in comparative judgement of their own and their peers' work. This active participation helps students develop a deeper understanding of quality in their subject area and encourages them to think critically about their own performance.
Developing Metacognitive Skills
When students use RM Compare to assess work, they are not just evaluating content; they are also reflecting on the learning process itself. This metacognitive exercise helps pupils understand how they learn best, recognize areas for improvement, and set meaningful goals for their own development. These skills are crucial for the development of ambitious, capable learners as envisioned by the new curriculum.
Fostering a Growth Mindset
Engaging with RM Compare can help foster a growth mindset among pupils. As they compare different pieces of work and reflect on their own, students begin to see learning as a process of continuous improvement rather than a fixed state. This aligns with the curriculum's aim of developing resilient, confident learners who are prepared for lifelong learning.
Enhancing Peer Learning
RM Compare provides a structured platform for peer assessment. When students evaluate each other's work, they gain new perspectives, learn from their peers' approaches, and develop important skills in giving and receiving constructive feedback. This collaborative approach to learning aligns with the curriculum's emphasis on developing effective contributors.
Bridging Formative and Summative Assessment
By involving students in the assessment process, RM Compare helps bridge the gap between formative and summative assessment. Students gain ongoing insights into their progress and areas for improvement, making assessment a continuous part of the learning process rather than just an end point.
Developing Digital Competence
Using RM Compare for self-assessment also contributes to students' digital competence, a key cross-curricular skill in the new curriculum. Students learn to navigate digital platforms, engage with online assessment tools, and use technology for reflective purposes.
Preparing for Future Learning and Work
The skills developed through using RM Compare for self-assessment – critical thinking, self-reflection, giving and receiving feedback – are valuable not just in an educational context but also in future workplaces. By engaging with this tool, students are preparing for a future where continuous learning and self-assessment are increasingly important.
Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of student self-assessment using RM Compare are significant, it's important to implement this approach thoughtfully. Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students through the process, helping them understand assessment criteria, and facilitating reflective discussions. It's also important to balance self-assessment with other forms of assessment to ensure a comprehensive view of student progress.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to implement the new Curriculum for Wales, tools like RM Compare offer exciting possibilities for enhancing student engagement in assessment. By empowering learner voice and fostering self-reflection, we're not just assessing learning – we're teaching students how to become effective, lifelong learners. This approach represents a significant step towards realizing the vision of ambitious, capable learners at the heart of Welsh education.