This CPD course for teachers will help delegates explore the differences between assessment, marking and feedback and learn how to do all more effectively and efficiently.

Delegates will consider:

• The DfE’s guidance on effective marking
• The evidence on feedback
• The psychology of assessment

Why less marking might result in more feedback

This session will address:

• the purposes, problems and limitations of marking
• the evidence on marking and feedback
• why feedback goes wrong
• techniques to minimise marking and maximise feedback

How to make assessment more reliable, valid and efficient

This session will address:

• Why NC Levels didn’t work and why inventing new levels won’t work either
• The problems with mark schemes and marking criteria
• The psychology of assessment
• Comparative judgement and how to ‘mark’ without a mark scheme
• Using assessment data to prove progress

Presenter profile

David Didau has been a teacher for 15 years, and has run two English departments, as well as being an Assistant Head. He is an Associate of Independent Thinking and is renowned for his practical approach and commitment to sound pedagogy. His blog, The Learning Spy, is one of the most influential education blogs in the world. He is the author of ‘The Perfect English (Ofsted) Lesson’ and ‘The Secret of Literacy: making the implicit explicit’ as well as being a regular columnist with Teach Secondary magazine.

Feedback from teachers on David's course

I found the sequencing model and marking/feedback elements of the day most useful.
Inspirational! Great day. Very well-informed input with many inspirational ideas.
I want another day! What I need is to use all of this and share with my dept. as it is honest, thoughtful and really focused. Genuinely the best CPD I’ve ever been to – thank you.
Really helpful and interesting with practical ideas. “Gentle delivery”.
Thank you very much. I have many practical/concrete ideas (as well as the rationale behind them) to take away. They will help my students in the ways that matter most! I would highly recommend this course!
Invigorating! Also useful to transfer to History of Art –very relevant, because of high levels of literacy required.

Cost: £145 per delegate which includes lunch and resources; £199 for 2 teachers from the same school.