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Teacher Activist Approaches to Assessment: Critical Communication Pedagogy

Scott Parker

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Published in Grading Justice: Teacher Activist Approaches To Assessment (Critical Communication Pedagogy)

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In the realm of education, assessment has long been a contentious issue. Traditional assessment practices often perpetuate inequalities, reinforce power imbalances, and silence marginalized voices. However, a paradigm shift is underway, driven by teacher activists who are challenging the status quo and reimagining assessment as a tool for liberation and empowerment.

The groundbreaking book Teacher Activist Approaches to Assessment: Critical Communication Pedagogy, co-edited by Neil Selwyn, Anna Hickey-Moody, and Mesut Duran, presents a comprehensive framework for critical communication pedagogy in assessment. This book empowers teacher activists to critically analyze existing assessment practices, develop more equitable and inclusive assessments, and foster student agency and critical consciousness.

Grading Justice: Teacher-Activist Approaches to Assessment (Critical Communication Pedagogy)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1104 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	371 pages

Key Concepts of Critical Communication Pedagogy in Assessment

Book Cover Of Teacher Activist Approaches To Assessment Grading Justice: Teacher Activist Approaches To Assessment (Critical Communication Pedagogy)

Critical communication pedagogy in assessment is grounded in the following key concepts:

Assessment as communication: Assessment is not simply a neutral process of measuring student learning. It is a form of communication that shapes how students perceive themselves, their abilities, and their place in the world.
Equity and inclusion: Critical communication pedagogy in assessment aims to dismantle oppressive assessment practices and create more equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students, regardless of race, gender, class, or ability.
Student agency: Critical communication pedagogy in assessment empowers students to take ownership of their learning and participate in the assessment process.
Critical consciousness: Critical communication pedagogy in assessment fosters critical thinking and encourages students to question the assumptions and power structures that shape their learning experiences.

Strategies for Implementing Critical Communication Pedagogy in Assessment

The book provides a wealth of practical strategies for implementing critical communication pedagogy in assessment, including:

Co-creating assessment criteria: Involving students in the development of assessment criteria ensures that the criteria are meaningful and relevant to their learning.
Using self-assessment and peer assessment: Self- and peer assessment empowers students to reflect on their learning and provide constructive feedback to others.
Engaging students in critical dialogue: Facilitating critical dialogue about assessment practices allows students to voice their concerns and challenge oppressive norms.
Challenging standardized testing: Critical communication pedagogy in assessment advocates for reducing reliance on standardized testing, which can perpetuate inequalities and stifle creativity.

Case Studies of Transformative Assessment Practices

The book also includes a series of case studies that illustrate how teacher activists have successfully implemented critical communication pedagogy in assessment. These case studies demonstrate the power of transformative assessment practices to engage students, promote critical thinking, and foster social justice.

One case study, by Michelle Renée, describes how she used critical communication pedagogy to develop an anti-racist assessment framework for her English language arts classroom. This framework challenged traditional notions of literacy and empowered students to critically analyze and respond to texts that addressed issues of race, power, and oppression.

Another case study, by Jonathan Garcia, presents a collaborative self-assessment project in a high school history class. In this project, students worked in groups to develop self-assessment criteria and provide feedback to one another. The project fostered a sense of community and ownership among students and allowed them to reflect on their learning in a meaningful way.

Teacher Activist Approaches to Assessment: Critical Communication Pedagogy is an essential resource for teacher activists who are committed to transforming assessment practices and creating more equitable and empowering learning environments for all students. The book provides a theoretical framework, practical strategies, and inspiring case studies that empower teacher activists to challenge oppressive assessment practices, foster critical thinking, and ultimately work towards a more just and equitable society.

Grading Justice: Teacher-Activist Approaches to Assessment (Critical Communication Pedagogy)

4.5 out of 5