Feedback and Assessment in the New Kindergarten Teacher Education in Norway

Y

14

Feedback (Response); Kindergarten; Foreign Countries; Content Analysis; Formative Evaluation; Summative Evaluation; Evaluation Methods; Focus Groups; Interviews; Qualitative Research; Cooperation; Theories; Cultural Context; History; Time Perspective; Preservice Teacher Education; Teacher Educators; Preservice Teachers; Preschool Teachers

2332-3205

This paper investigates the feedback and assessment routines that are being established in the subject of pedagogy in the new model of Kindergarten Teacher Education (Barnehagelaererutdanning--BLU) in Norway. This scope is chosen due to the particular role of the subject of pedagogy in strengthening the understanding of the practice field, and in ensuring a coherent, professionally oriented perspective. The data comprise group interviews with three pedagogy teachers, two pedagogues from in-service kindergartens and one interview with one student. The gathered data were analysed according to guidelines for qualitative content analysis, and interpreted in the light of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT). Results show that pedagogues both at BLU and in-service kindergartens experience many challenges connected to formative assessment and feedback practice: (a) a tacit, private and low-priority assessment culture; (b) current practice characterized by summative assessment methods; and (c) minimal collaboration between involved participants. In conclusion, the paper suggests the following improvements in the area of feedback and assessment in the new BLU: (a) establishing a closer and more reciprocal collaboration between all participants; (b) encouraging a shared understanding of central goals and methods in formative assessment; and (c) increasing the status of assessment work and ensuring time resources to involved teachers.

As Provided

35

2017

EJ1147549