Assessment for learning (AfL) and differentiated instruction (DI) both imply a focus on learning processes and affect student learning positively. However, both AfL and DI prove to be difficult to implement for teachers. Two chemistry and two physics teachers were studied when designing and implementing the formative assessment of conceptual…

Assessment is a crucial factor in the implementation of curriculum reform. Little is known, however, on how curriculum changes can be reflected adequately in assessment, particularly if the reform concerns process skills. This issue was investigated for the case of assessing mathematical thinking in a mathematics curriculum reform for…

The overall aim of the study was to gather evidence on effective policy reforms for broad competence development in school education, including better achievement of basic skills. The six key objectives are: Objective 1: To understand the key features of policy design and implementation of reforms for broad competence development and achievement…

Developed an experimental curriculum for vocational higher education in the Netherlands that attempted to organize students' learning in a constructivist, competence-oriented manner and evaluated the assessment procedures. Findings show a high degree of individualization was reached, but respondents had concerns about the lack of standardization…

After a drastic mathematics curriculum change in The Netherlands in 1993, a study on the alignment of intended, implemented, and attained curriculum was carried out using TIMSS-99. For benchmarking, identical instruments were used in a neighboring country (Flanders), and for science. Two innovative methodological features were: (1) the teachers'…

A Canadian art teacher informally observes art education curricula and assessment methods in England, Wales, Scotland, and Holland; and compares these with North American and Canadian practices. Discusses issues concerned with art history, national curricula, and multicultural education. Suggests that systematic assessment of students' work and…

The aims, content, and organization of social and political education, which became a compulsory subject in the Netherlands in 1968, are examined. Part 1 discusses the methods and models used by the National Institute of Curriculum Development since it was established in 1975. One of its projects is to develop a common core curriculum for social…