Bachelor of Education Program (BEd)

Collaborative scholarship in assessment, evaluation, and knowledge mobilization

Bachelor of Education Program (BEd)

If you are interested in becoming a certified educator in Ontario and are pursing a Bachelor of Education (BEd) at Queen’s University, the following BEd courses are regularly offered. The Queen’s BEd program also regularly offers an elective concentration in assessment and evaluation, comprised of EDST 210 and FOCI 210. Course descriptions are below.

FOUN 101 – Foundations of Assessment: This course introduces teacher candidates to the foundations of classroom assessment and evaluation. Students will engage in examining assessment theory, policy, and practice in relation to the current context of contemporary schooling. Emphasis will be placed on the intersection of assessment practices and principles of teaching and learning. Specifically, topics related to assessment for learning and assessment of learning will be covered in addition to assessment design and principles for fair student assessment.

EDST 210 – Understanding Classroom Assessment & Evaluation: With the current accountability framework of K-12 education, teachers are required to use assessments to monitor and inform student learning, guide their instruction, and communicate student achievement. This course explores the complexities of enacting assessment policies and theories within contemporary teaching contexts. Varying philosophies and approaches to classroom assessment are explored with consideration for their pedagogical value. In addition, systemic assessment structures are examined to understand the impact and function of regional and provincial evaluation systems on teaching, learning, and policy decision-making. This course will provide teacher candidates with theoretical and philosophical positions from which to enact sound – reliable, valid, and fair – assessment practices.

FOCI 210 – Assessment & Evaluation Practices in the Classroom: Assessment is a central component of teaching and learning within elementary and secondary classrooms. Current mandates require teachers to integrate assessment throughout their instruction to support, monitor and communicate student learning. In this course, teacher candidates will learn how to develop and use assessment to promote student learning within a positive classroom culture. Specifically, candidates will learn about Ministry policies, rubrics, feedback mechanisms, observations, portfolios, testing (i.e., teacher-made and EQAO) as well as peer-, self-, and collaborative-assessment. Throughout the course, candidates will link assessment practices to learning theories and to their evolving pedagogical approach. By the end of the course, candidates should be able to engage in professional discussions and decision-making related to assessment and student learning. This course will fundamentally strengthen the candidates’ approach to teaching by connecting together educational and assessment theory, philosophy, and practice.

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