Transformative assessment in the subject of physical education

Introduction:The objective is to reveal different versions of assessment for learning (AfL) in the subject of physical education (PE) and identify the triadic relations between teacher, student and subject content... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction:

The objective is to reveal different versions of assessment for learning (AfL) in the subject of physical education (PE) and identify the triadic relations between teacher, student and subject content established under different circumstances.

Methods:
The empirical material was gathered through group interviews with PE teachers in combination with lesson observations and semi structured interviews with students and teachers at three upper secondary schools in Sweden.
The material was categorized by means of the five key strategies of AfL (Wiliam, 2011). The next step of the analysis was carried out from a performativity perspective (Tolgfors, 2017; Ball, 2000) in order to identify the triadic relations (Hudson, 2002) established under different circumstances. 

Results:
The findings highlight five contrasting versions of AfL as: i) empowerment, ii) physical activation, iii) grade generation, iv) constructive alignment and v) negotiation. These versions imply that AfL is transformative.
Conclusions:
The five versions of AfL promote different kinds of learning: i) increased autonomy, ii) participation in a community of practice, iii) criteria compliance, iv) acquisition of prescribed abilities and v) group development. Moreover, different teacher and learner identities are constituted through the contrasting versions of AfL.

References:
Ball, S. J. (2003). The teacher's soul and the terrors of performativity. Journal of education policy, 18(2), 215-228.
Hudson, Brian (2002): Holding complexity and searching for meaning: Teaching as reflective practice, Journal of Curriculum Studies, 34(1): 43-57. Routledge.
Tolgfors, Björn (2017): Bedömning för vilket lärande? En studie av vad bedömning för lärande blir och gör i ämnet idrott och hälsa. [Assessment for what learning? A study of what is performed in the formative assessment practice of PE]. Örebro university.
Wiliam, D. (2011). What is assessment for learning? Studies in Educational Evaluation. 37, 3-14. Elsevier.

Key words: Assessment for learning (AfL), Physical Education (PE), performativity, transformative assessment.