title: Literacy assessment practices: Moving from standardised to ecologically valid assessments in secondary schools

authors: Whitehead, David

subjects: assessment

abstract: SSLI test protocol data revealed the dominance of 'central' literacy measures and 'local' subject-specific measures aligned to institutional requirements, curriculum and national examination content. These measures initiate secondary students into a pervasive culture of assessment that generally fails to support further learning; a culture antagonistic towards the use of assessment that reflect how expert teachers address subject-specific literacies. In a culture of content-focussed, high stakes assessment, the use of ecologically valid formative assessment that reveal what students can do with what they know, and that empower teachers to test like they teach, is marginalised. Consistent with Neisser's claim that some experimental measures may not reflect reality, the pedagogy and assessment protocols of many secondary schools fail to reflect the use of literacy and thinking tools, and so fail to reflect best evidence about teaching. Changes in school culture, teachers' pedagogical knowledge and the use of ecologically valid assessments are associated with shifts from transmission to co-construction approaches. Consistent with the work of David Corson the use of ecologically valid assessment that reflect the use of literacy and thinking tools is an inclusive, future-focussed literacy event, but the use of 'central' curriculum and institutional-linked measures is exclusive.

text: Literacy assessment practices: Moving from standardised to ecologically valid assessments in secondary schools SSLI test protocol data revealed the dominance of 'central' literacy measures and 'local' subject-specific measures aligned to institutional requirements, curriculum and national examination content. These measures initiate secondary students into a pervasive culture of assessment that generally fails to support further learning; a culture antagonistic towards the use of assessment that reflect how expert teachers address subject-specific literacies. In a culture of content-focussed, high stakes assessment, the use of ecologically valid formative assessment that reveal what students can do with what they know, and that empower teachers to test like they teach, is marginalised. Consistent with Neisser's claim that some experimental measures may not reflect reality, the pedagogy and assessment protocols of many secondary schools fail to reflect the use of literacy and thinking tools, and so fail to reflect best evidence about teaching. Changes in school culture, teachers' pedagogical knowledge and the use of ecologically valid assessments are associated with shifts from transmission to co-construction approaches. Consistent with the work of David Corson the use of ecologically valid assessment that reflect the use of literacy and thinking tools is an inclusive, future-focussed literacy event, but the use of 'central' curriculum and institutional-linked measures is exclusive.

year: 2007

title: Response to Questionnaire - Focus: Taiwan

authors: Rolls, Mark G.

abstract: The desire of China to potentially invade Taiwan, mirroring historical actions like the annexation of Tibet, is met with significant challenges due to the unique circumstances surrounding Taiwan's status. Recent incursions into Taiwan's airspace by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) coincide with domestic and international factors, including President Xi's political positioning and international tensions. Despite President Biden's ambiguous statements, the U.S. exhibits a firm stance in supporting Taiwan, albeit with occasional policy confusion. Japan, recognizing the strategic importance of Taiwan, strengthens ties and prepares for potential conflict. European Union support for Taiwan grows amid concerns about China's global behavior. Taiwan faces external pressure from China to limit its diplomatic ties and international engagement. Efforts by countries like India to strengthen ties with Taiwan risk provoking China and complicating existing regional tensions. Despite international challenges, Taiwan remains resilient, seeking diplomatic support and strategic partnerships to counter Chinese pressure and maintain its sovereignty.

text: Response to Questionnaire - Focus: Taiwan The desire of China to potentially invade Taiwan, mirroring historical actions like the annexation of Tibet, is met with significant challenges due to the unique circumstances surrounding Taiwan's status. Recent incursions into Taiwan's airspace by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) coincide with domestic and international factors, including President Xi's political positioning and international tensions. Despite President Biden's ambiguous statements, the U.S. exhibits a firm stance in supporting Taiwan, albeit with occasional policy confusion. Japan, recognizing the strategic importance of Taiwan, strengthens ties and prepares for potential conflict. European Union support for Taiwan grows amid concerns about China's global behavior. Taiwan faces external pressure from China to limit its diplomatic ties and international engagement. Efforts by countries like India to strengthen ties with Taiwan risk provoking China and complicating existing regional tensions. Despite international challenges, Taiwan remains resilient, seeking diplomatic support and strategic partnerships to counter Chinese pressure and maintain its sovereignty.

year: 2021

title: Book review:  Ikawai: freshwater fishes in Māori culture and economy

authors: Hicks, Brendan J.

abstract: This article reviews the book : “Ikawai: freshwater fishes in Māori culture and economy”, by RM McDowall.

text: Book review:  Ikawai: freshwater fishes in Māori culture and economy This article reviews the book : “Ikawai: freshwater fishes in Māori culture and economy”, by RM McDowall.

year: 2012