An Investigation of AFL Techniques and

there Implementation in Materials

Technology Wood lessons.

Kevin Stunduin (Staunton) G00284143

Submitted for the B.Sc. (Hons) Design and Technology

Education to Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Letterfrack

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 STATEMENT

OF

THESIS

The purpose of this thesis is to explore and evaluate the potential of Assessment
for Learning (AFL) techniques to improve students motivation, learning and
ability to understand where they are at with their own personal learning in
context of Materials Technology Wood. Within the post primary sector there is
significant debate taking place regarding JC reforms. AFL is a key area in regards
to the debates around assessment and as such it is appropriate to explore AFL
now, it is also necessary to look at how the reformed Junior Cycle coincides with
Assessment for Learning techniques, and can be implemented into the

assessment criteria for the new Junior Cycle. It is also necessary to examine the
teachers current knowledge of, and attitude towards Assessment for Learning in
general and if teachers would use and find this type of assessment beneficial
when assessing the new Junior Cycle as having a framework for assessment may
allay the fears that many teachers have with respect to the proposed reforms

1.2 BACKGROUND
The motivation for this thesis originated during the authors first teaching
practice placement.

After reflecting on a visit from the supervisor during a

Materials Technology (Wood) class (MTW), it became apparent that the use of
different methods of assessment could be adopted within Material Technology
(Wood) (MTW) lessons and one in

particular, Assessment for Learning (AFL)

could prove as a very beneficial method of assessment in the subject especially

in regards to the new Junior Cycle reforms.
A clear link between the key principles of AFL and the principles of the new
framework for the reformed Junior Cycle could be seen. Motivation was another
area of concern which was been addressed in the new Junior Cycle and this also
tied in with certain principles of

AFL and its benefits in the classroom. Initial

research suggests that there is a gap in the literature in this area with specific
concerns towards technology subjects. This furthered the my interest in AFL, and
I was encouraged to develop a study on the area and link it to a current topic in
education, the new framework for the Junior Cycle was a very relevant match.

1.3 AIMS

AND

OBJECTIVES

The Aims of this Thesis are to:

Explore the potential of Assessment for Learning (AFL) techniques to

improve students motivation, learning and develop the critical faculites of
the students such that they gain greater insights into their own learning

ability.
Develop a creative approach using AFL to encourage students to share
learning objectives with each other and the teacher.

Provide students with the opportunity to identify success criteria in the

subject and help the students focus on their learning.

Create opportunities for effective questioning in MTW linking with the new
junior cycle and Develop peer and self assessment in MTW and the new

junior cycle
Analyze the effectiveness of AFL when applied in MTW and how it
coincides with the new junior cycle reform

The Objectives of this Thesis are to:

Demonstrate opportunities for effective (Higher Order) questioning in the

MTW classroom
Create opportunities for feedback from the students
Develop appropriate learning objectives that are stated clearly, shared and

differentiated.
Examine how AFL can encourage students to focus on their own learning
Review the effectiveness of AFL in helping the teacher to understand

students progress in learning.

Introduce Assessment for Learning (AFL) to help provide students with
opportunities for authentic, self directed, meaningful and relevant

learning.
Devise different methods of assessing the students learning on a

particular topic
Distinguish students ability to understand if they have done well and are
making progress.