CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT



Curriculum Assessment



Curriculum Assessment

Reflect On Current Curriculum Assessment Practices

When McKenzie states that the current Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum needs to “prepare adolescents for a lifetime of physical activity”, (McKenzie 2001) he is correctly advocating for a positive change that will impact greatly on all of us in the years to come. In Australia today where diseases and the disease process are impacting so heavily on not only mortality, but quality of life, the gravity of the implementation of this curriculum should not be underestimated. “The syllabus reflects the multidimensional nature of health and physical activity in a context of a diverse and changing society” (BOS 2003, p8). It is imperative that we move with the times in order to equip adolescents for the physical and emotional challenges ahead.

As a result of the introduction by the Board of Studies of the new PDHPE 7-10 Syllabus in 2003, there has been a definite shift in focus of P.E. lessons from traditional sport and fitness oriented goals, to a new approach which is aimed at providing students with all the information and experience they need to ensure they are prepared for a lifetime of physical activity. A means by which they have the tools to promote health and wellness not only for themselves, but to influence family, friends and even more, the wider community.

When analysing the syllabus in relation to 'the nature of the learner', it is determined that schools also play a large role by being “flexible in their delivery of the PDHPE syllabus ensuring that programs reflect the specific needs of the students and the general community”. (Rowland 2008, Nature of the Learner ,p4) The Governments in their battle to combat endemic diseases like heart, diabetes, obesity and mental health have realised the importance of schools and their role in positively influencingadolescent's to prepare them for a lifetime of physical activity, encouraging them to adopt practices which look to maintain and benefit their health. In simple terms, the curriculum “provides opportunities for students to develop, adapt and improvise their movement skills in a wide variety of challenging contexts and environments that appeal to their needs and interests, enhance enjoyment and excitement in their lives, and ultimately increase the likelihood of lifelong physical activity”. (BOS 2003,p9). Effective teaching “contributes to the development in young people of the capacity to take responsibility for their own learning and of a commitment to continue learning throughout life” (BOS, 2003). We, as P.E teachers are attempting to empower them to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle which will affect outcomes not only now but in their futures.

Effective Method To Assess Student Learning

Formal or conventional assessment usually assesses overall achievement and compares a test takers performance to a group of peers in order to determine strengths and weaknesses (Briggs, 1998). The tests are usually standardized tests that are delivered in the form of multiple choice questions. There are several types of standardized tests, each with their own purpose, advantages ...