Thinking Deeply about Primary Education
Writing First, Assessment Second: A Conversation with Chris Youles
Mar 30, 2025
Join Chris Youles, the Assistant Head Teacher at Taipei European School and author of several teaching books, as he dives into the complexities of writing assessment. He discusses how current assessment systems often disconnect from effective teaching practices. Chris advocates for a storytelling approach that enhances engagement and understanding. He emphasizes the need for teachers to enrich their subject knowledge and offers practical advice for transforming writing instruction, moving beyond rigid assessments to a more holistic framework.
44:53
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Quick takeaways
- Effective writing assessment should prioritize a narrative-driven approach that enhances understanding of key storytelling elements like character and conflict.
- Rebuilding trust in teacher judgment requires moving away from checklist methods to foster authenticity and improve student writing quality.
Deep dives
The Importance of Subject Knowledge in Writing Assessment
Effective writing assessment hinges on teachers' deep understanding of what constitutes good writing. Many frameworks provide vague criteria, making it challenging for educators to guide their students meaningfully. For instance, the idea of writing an 'effective story' fails to clarify the components, such as character goals and conflict, which are essential for crafting compelling narratives. This lack of clarity in understanding what makes writing effective leads educators to prioritize checklist-based assessment methods over richer, more substantive teaching.
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