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IPSOS-Mori survey finds teachers generally positive about controlled assessment

http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/downloads/category/136-other-research?download=1164%3Aevaluation-of-the-introduction-of-controlled-assessment. (Report dated October 2011.)

.... although French teachers are less positive than most, mentioning in particular two aspects: firstly, the fact that rote learning plays such a large role in the production of controlled assessments (p.26); secondly, that there are many practical problems in carrying them out, notably the demands for cover staff whilst orals are being carried out. The survey/report does suggest that the modern language controlled assessments need looking at.

I was surprised to find little reference to the issue of reliability of assessment (i.e. cheating). Although respondents said that they could not control what sources were used by students, the issue is not dealt with in the conclusions.

All in all, it is not the kind of damning report that critics of CA would like to have seen, me included. I imagine Michael Gove may have welcomed something more critical too. It remains to be seen if controlled assessment stays in place over the long term. For the time being it has a stay of execution, but I believe we shall see more schools opting for alternative certificates, such as the new one on offer from AQA.

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