Professional Development Day
On Tuesday 26th May, the staff of St. Anthony’s College participated in a Professional Development Session held in the SAC Staff Room, focused on effective assessment and test design.
The session provided teachers with valuable insights into the development and use of a Table of Specification (TOS) as a tool for creating balanced and meaningful assessments. Facilitators explored the importance of aligning assessments with learning objectives and curriculum outcomes while ensuring that tests accurately measure student understanding and achievement.
A key component of the workshop was the examination of Bloom’s Taxonomy, where teachers reviewed the different cognitive levels involved in learning, ranging from remembering and understanding to analyzing, evaluating, and creating. Participants discussed strategies for incorporating a variety of question types that promote higher-order thinking skills and ensure a comprehensive assessment of student learning.
The professional development experience was highly interactive and included several hands-on collaborative activities. Teachers worked in groups to construct three-dimensional cubes using modelling clay, an exercise designed to encourage problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and communication. Participants also engaged in a card house-building challenge, which highlighted the importance of planning, collaboration, critical thinking, and perseverance when tackling complex tasks.
These practical activities reinforced many of the principles discussed throughout the session, demonstrating how active learning experiences can foster engagement while developing essential cognitive and interpersonal skills.
The workshop provided staff with practical tools and strategies for designing more effective assessments while promoting reflective teaching practices. Teachers left the session with a deeper understanding of assessment design and a renewed appreciation for the role of collaboration and active learning in the educational process.
This version has a professional tone while still highlighting the engaging nature of the activities. It would work well for a school magazine, annual report, teacher portfolio, or website article.
