Student+Assessed+Learning

**__‘Traffic Light System’ and ‘Thumb-o-meter’ __** It is important for students to be able to self-assess their learning and ability to work. This can be done using the following: - Students display a different coloured card depending on their need for assistance or to demonstrate the progress they are making when completing tasks. - Students can assess their understanding of concepts or can show their ability to complete work by displaying a thumb pointed upwards, sidewards or downwards. (See images for further explanation). 
 * __Student Assessed Learning __**
 * __The Learning Assessment Traffic Light System __
 * __The Thumb-o-meter __





  Both strategies could be implemented in primary schools, and may be used interchangeably depending on the task. However, as the thumb-o-meter is more basic and easier to understand, this may be more beneficial to use with younger students. Either strategy could be used with mainstream and special needs students; however the effectiveness of the strategy will depend on the individual. For example, if a student is in year 3 and has behavioural issues, they would be more likely to grasp the concept of the ‘Traffic Light System’ and apply it productively. However, a student of the same age with an intellectual disability may find it easier to use the Thumb-o-meter. Regardless, either strategy would have to be clearly explained to students so that they are aware of how to use it. This relates to Foreman’s views (2008) that training and scaffolding must have previously taken place before a strategy can be implemented successfully. __These can BOTH be used in an educational setting in the following ways: __ __These strategies are beneficial as they: __
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">During instructions to make sure that all students is ready to move on (thumb-o-meter).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">During tasks to demonstrate if students are having difficulty (traffic lights or thumb-o-meter depending on age group/types of special needs).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">During tasks to demonstrate if students are finished and ready to more onto the next activity.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">When the lesson has finished (for students to self-assess their learning and progress).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Monitor if students are finding their work difficult.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Allow the teacher to easily identify which students are in need of assistance.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Allow the teacher to assess which students are in greater need of assistance.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Allow the teacher to evaluate students understanding of the lesson content; and to make sure that they are progressing and meeting the lesson objectives.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Stop teachers from ‘hovering’ around special needs students and constantly watching over their shoulder (as they may feel intimidated by the presence of a teacher; which could be distracting and affecting their ability to think and perform).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Do not obviously draw attention to the fact that a student needs assistance (as students may feel singled out for their additional needs).

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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 0px; overflow: hidden;">﻿ ** **__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">References __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Foreman (2008). //Inclusion in action: second edition.// Centage Learning, Melbourne, Victoria.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Stroke Park School: in partnership with students and parents (2011). // [|Focus Fortnight] : Assessing your learning.// [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.stokepark.coventry.sch.uk/afl-focus-fortnight/