http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events The Cambridge Assessment Network delivers a programme of activities ranging from seminars about innovation in education and assessment to training programmes for people working in assessment. en-gb http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=126323 This course held over six weeks introduces the key principles involved in designing effective assessment. The course is delivered fully online and tutored by an online facilitator who leads participants through the course materials and activities. It introduces key concepts and ideas which participants can explore further as they require, and links these to the assessments used in English schools. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:19:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=126302 Cambridge Assessment is jointly hosting a seminar with Barry Sheerman MP on the subject: “Better Training: Better teachers?” Teacher Education is a key policy area and this seminar promises to be a timely intervention as it climbs up the political agenda. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:12:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=126242 At this one-day conference for teachers, Professor John Gardner will look at the tensions between the curriculum emphasis on learning for the 21st century, and aspects of existing and potential future assessment systems. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:17:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=126203 To meet growing demands for educational reporting to provide information about the knowledge and skills demonstrated by students, in 2001 the senior secondary certificate in New South Wales was changed from norm-referenced reporting of marks to standards-referenced reporting. The presentation will discuss how reporting standards were established and validated. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:43:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=125122 This two-week residential programme in Cambridge is for anyone interested in the design and delivery of public assessment, and looks at our current and future contexts. Our international delegates review best practice with us and share their experiences. We debate the principles of assessment design and how we can carry these forward into practice. We address key issues, such as: What do our stakeholders need and require from us? How do we fulfil our responsibilities regarding accountability and the impact of assessment in society? Where can we make radical change to improve quality and effectiveness? Should we compromise - and if so, why and when? Where can the fast moving world of technology help us? Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:22:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=124662 The Association for Educational Assessment (Europe) has set up a professional accreditation scheme for assessment professionals. It is now possible to apply for accreditation as either a Practitioner or Fellow of AEA-Europe. If you want to consider applying for Practitioner or for Fellow status this briefing session will tell you about the AEA-Europe scheme and explain how you can go about applying. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:04:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=124342 The Association for Educational Assessment (Europe) has set up a professional accreditation scheme for assessment professionals. It is now possible to apply for accreditation as either a Practitioner or Fellow of AEA-Europe. If you want to consider applying for Practitioner or for Fellow status this briefing session will tell you about the AEA-Europe scheme and explain how you can go about applying. Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:28:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=124282 The Association for Educational Assessment (Europe) has set up a professional accreditation scheme for assessment professionals. It is now possible to apply for accreditation as either a Practitioner or Fellow of AEA-Europe. If you want to consider applying for Practitioner or for Fellow status this briefing session will tell you about the AEA-Europe scheme and explain how you can go about applying. Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:37:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=123446 This talk, accompanied by material from the Cambridge Assessment archives, will explain how Cambridge Assessment came to be a department of the University and how the relationship has evolved over the century and a half since the organisation was established. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:26:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=121962 How can we use assessment data to help students make the best progress? How does your school manage and exploit the assessment data that is around? Does assessment data help or hinder? The Cambridge Assessment Network invites middle managers in secondary schools with an interest in assessment to a one-day workshop to explore these issues. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:19:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=121502 This seminar will describe in broad terms the development of vocational assessments in England and Wales, and colleagues from Cambridge Assessment who remember working with the RSA will give us the human side of this story. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:08:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=121422 This talk will look at the contribution of Cambridge secondary examinations to education in Singapore. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:42:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=119722 Jointly hosted by Barry Sheerman MP and Cambridge Assessment, the seminar is on the subject: “Why Government education initiatives work – or don’t; The evidence base for policy-making”. Thu, 29 May 2008 14:08:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=119022 This innovative course is offered by the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education with Cambridge Assessment, one of the world's largest assessment agencies and a department of the University of Cambridge. Led by tutors who are specialists in assessment, the course provides an introduction to educational assessment using topic and relevant examples. Wed, 07 May 2008 09:35:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=118802 14-19 Reform - a global perspective. International educationalists will address the challenges in reforming 14-19 education that they see on their own continents, at an international education conference hosted by Cambridge Assessment. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:33:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=118182 As part of the celebrations for its 150th anniversary, Cambridge Assessment will jointly host an event with the East Anglia branch of the British Computer Society (BCS) and the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), focusing on Agile methods. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:07:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=117984 How and when did Cambridge ESOL (formerly known as UCLES EFL) first come into being? What factors have shaped its development over almost a century since the first EFL examination was created in 1913? What led to the introduction of each subsequent new EFL examination during that period and how/why have they changed in the way that they have? What is Cambridge's current status as a major international provider of ESOL examinations and where are we likely to go in the future? Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:25:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=117782 This is the second in a series which looks at the different stages in Cambridge Assessment's history. Helen Patrick will focus on developments following 1945, using the Cambridge Syndicate's experience to illustrate recurring themes in the history of assessment in England. Ron McLone will present a personal view of the roles (and performances) of the various players involved. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:39:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116942 This is the first in a series which looks at the different stages in Cambridge Assessment’s history. Andrew Watts will describe why the Cambridge examinations were started, how they were different 150 years ago, how they came to be accepted as part of the national education system and how Cambridge became the ‘exam board for the colonies’. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:45:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116742 This course held over six weeks introduces the key principles involved in designing effective assessment. The course is delivered fully online and tutored by an online facilitator who leads participants through the course materials and activities. It introduces key concepts and ideas which participants can explore further as they require, and links these to the assessments used in English schools. Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:10:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116518 This seminar raises the issue of reliability and considers it in the light of present attitudes in society. Materials from the first Cambridge Assessment Conference will be shown and discussed. Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:57:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116517 The concept of validity has been broadened in the last fifteen years and has become the key issue for those who want to create appropriate assessments. This seminar will look at different facets of validity - like face, content and construct validity - and will focus particularly on the adequacy of our interpretations and actions based on test scores. Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:51:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116516 What is the process that underlies the creation of assessments? Many assessment professionals, including teachers, simply look at what has been done before and reproduce that. In this seminar we will look at the questions: Are there generic skills for a test developer and how could assessment professionals prepare themselves for their task? Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:42:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116515 Assessment is inextricably linked to what is being learnt, and the ideal is for assessment to support students' learning. In this seminar we will look at the claims of the proponents of 'assessment for learning' and will ask how national, summative assessments can take their place alongside this. Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:38:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116511 A look at a fundamental issue in assessment. Topics covered will include standard setting - concepts and issues; and methods of standard setting (Angoff methods, bookmark methods, rank-ordering method, Award meetings). Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:16:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116510 Test equating is an important component in assuring the maintenance of standards and comparability of tests. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:13:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116509 This will provide plenty of opportunity for group discussion of the philosophical issues which arise from the notions of reliability and validity. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:09:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116508 A discussion of the uses of data which is available at the level of the whole test and the individual item. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:02:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116507 A look at the data and statistics that are employed in grading and awarding. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:55:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116506 An explanation of what is meant by a bank of calibrated items with a discussion on different data collection designs and techniques for adding items to a bank, plus detailed worked examples and practice exercises. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:52:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116504 Assessment for Learning (classroom-based assessment which is designed to improve students' learning) continues to be a topic of great interest and discussion. This one-day conference for teachers is designed for all staff interested in Assessment for Learning, especially assessment leaders. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:17:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116503 Assessment for Learning (classroom-based assessment which is designed to improve students' learning) continues to be a topic of great interest and discussion. This one-day conference for teachers is tailored to address school managers, and teachers of English, Science, Maths and History. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:10:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116502 This participative workshop for teachers will explore the issues of how schools manage and exploit assessment data, and the place of assessment data in helping students make progress. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:01:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116498 The Association for Educational Assessment (Europe) has set up a professional accreditation scheme for assessment professionals. It is now possible to apply for accreditation as either a Practioner or Fellow of AEA-Europe. You can find out more about this sceme at the AEA-Europe website. If you want to consider applying for Practitioner or for Fellow status, this briefing session will tell you about the scheme and explain how you can go about applying. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:15:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116497 The Association for Educational Assessment (Europe) has set up a professional accreditation scheme for assessment professionals. It is now possible to apply for accreditation as either a Practioner or Fellow of AEA-Europe. You can find out more about this scheme at the AEA-Europe website. If you want to consider applying for Practitioner or for Fellow status, this briefing session will tell you about the scheme and explain how you can go about applying. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:03:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116496 We identify bias in interview procedures, tests and examinations through established psychometric procedures. But identification is not the same as removal. This seminar looks at various forms of bias and examines legal implications and the role of the assessment professional in building a more just society. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:57:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116495 Both norm referencing and criterion referencing are essential to any assessment. There is no point in knowing how well a person performs in an examination in comparison to others, if we have no idea about the standard of achievement of these others. This seminar exposes the misunderstandings that arise in the the area of standards. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:47:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116494 Every assessment professional knows that good validity is the defining feature of a good assessment. Without it, there would be no point in carrying out an assessment at all. This seminar examines the various forms of validity as well as considering how we can explain these concepts to interested non-professionals. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:13:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116492 Psychometric reliability tells us the extent to which a test or assessment has been contaminated by error. The seminar considers how we can solve the problems caused by the complexity of the concept of error and then present evidence for good practice to sceptical outsiders. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:58:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116482 This seminar will introduce some of the ways psychometric principles are used in the employment arena. It will give an opportunity for the audience both to understand the use of psychometric tests better and to discuss the implications of using them. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:22:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116481 This presentation will take as its focus the motives and historical/cultural context for taking examinations in the medium of English. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:18:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116479 The presentation will consider: the background to the proliferation of entrance-testing for the most competitive-for-entry university courses in recent years; the range, utility and limitations of admissions tests being used; possible future developments in this area. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:12:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116478 This seminar will discuss why e-marking may enable a very rapid take up of e-testing, and how it might then be possible to use e-marking to validate teacher assessment. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:09:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116477 This seminar will discuss the development of the rank-ordering method out of the Thurstone paired comparisons method used in UK comparability research, and will discuss some theoretical and practical issues raised by the method. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:56:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116476 Developments in the use of PDP have highlighted benefits and issues from the perspective of students, academics and employers. This session will provide an opportunity to discuss the issues to consider when assessing the value of Personal Development Planning. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:10:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116475 There is a need to challenge prevailing myths about the relative performance of boys and girls in school - a profound need to dispel simplistic representation of gendered achievement in education and training, and in particular, myths around boys' under-achievement. This presentation takes a 'life trajectory' approach to understanding the issue of gender and achievement, integrating evidence in a new way, to yield some new and challenging understandings of what is happening. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:54:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116469 This presentation will explore the rationale for grades and levels, and examine the place which grades and levels should have in modern qualifications systems. Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:42:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116468 Strongly contrasting mechanisms for facilitating recognition in learning exist across Europe. While the European Qualifications Framework, the Bologna and Lisbon agreements are top-down system-level approaches to supporting movement of workers and cross-country recognition of learning, other 'bottom-up' approaches are being encouraged. The presentation will explore the potential of these approaches and whether they pose an alternative to 'traditional' forms of certification. Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:37:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116467 This presentation will argue that we need to constantly re-examine the purposes of educational testing, and will look in particular at the extent to which assessment agencies should be concerned with the uses of the qualifications and tests which they produce and manage. Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:33:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116465 This seminar will look at public examinations and seek to clarify what their purposes are, and what they have been. Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:41:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116454 In this presentation, Tim argues that the time has come to take a closer look at the safeguards we should have in place when major changes to the education system are being planned. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:02:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116453 Did anyone anticipate what was to happen in the summer of 2002? Was it really a crisis of the proportions represented in the press coverage? This will give an insider's view of the crisis, giving an insight into the way in which Government and its agencies work. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:55:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116452 This seminar will explore the concept of 'error' as it relates to large-scale educational assessments, such as national tests or public examinations. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:50:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116451 Kathryn Ecclestone will talk about her latest research on the uses of assessment in vocational and other settings for adult learners. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:41:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116450 The relationship between awarding bodies and schools is one which has changed over time. This seminar will take a historical perspective on the relationship, with reference to such initiatives as local CSE boards and Mode 3 syllabuses, and will discuss whether the experience of the past can help provide a direction for the future. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:35:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116449 Changes in assessment processes and practices have been used to drive reform of the curriculum and teaching for more than 20 years. Why has this occurred and with what impact on educational experience and standards? Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:15:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116448 A brief review of the mathematical concepts needed to understand Rasch models, plus an introduction to the latent trait theory and the Rasch model for dichotomous items. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:03:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=116385 This two-week residential programme in Cambridge is for anyone interested in the design and delivery of public assessment, and looks at our current and future contexts. Our international delegates review best practice with us and share their experiences. We debate the principles of assessment design and how we can carry these forward into practice. Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:39:00 GMT http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110883 ‘Competence-based education and training’ has emerged as a dominant force in the development of vocational education and training, both nationally and internationally. But this presentation suggests that qualifications central to the UK system and to other nations’ systems are based on defective notions of competence. Sat, 01 Sep 2007 15:33:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110902 Currently there is a renewed emphasis on Assessment for Learning: classroom-based assessment which is designed to improve students’ learning. Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:59:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110898 The Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) is holding its 3rd International Conference at the University of Cambridge, hosted by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:13:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110897 The conference will be held from 7-12 September 2008. The theme is Re-interpreting Assessment: Society, Measurement and Meaning. The keynote speakers will be Professor Robert J Mislevy, University of Maryland, and Professor Dylan Wiliam, Institute of Education - University of London. Thu, 26 Jul 2007 11:59:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110882 This course has been designed for those working in education and interested in assessment issues, including teachers, examiners, item writers, exams officers and other professionals working in assessment. Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:52:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110895 The internet enables "globally distributed, near instant, person to person conversations" - are you enabling such conversations inside your organisation? Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:58:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110894 This seminar raises the issue of reliability and considers it in the light of present attitudes in society. Materials from the first Cambridge Assessment Conference will be shown and discussed. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:57:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110893 A look at a fundamental issue in assessment. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:55:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110892 There are three histories of GNVQs – the scant public record, the myths, and the ‘real story’. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:51:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110891 This seminar will explore the conflicts and pressures of trying to assess something that is considered to be a subjective matter, and will suggest solutions that will stand up to objective scrutiny. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:50:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110890 Test equating is an important component in assuring the maintenance of standards and comparability of tests. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:49:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110889 The concept of validity has been broadened in the last fifteen years and has become the key issue for those who want to create appropriate assessments. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:47:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110888 This seminar will present the case for and against the use of open source software, dispelling the myths around it and introducing attendees to some of the open source programs available. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:46:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110887 The aim of the Cambridge Assessment Conference is to raise fundamental issues about assessment and its use in modern education systems. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:43:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110886 This will provide plenty of opportunity for group discussion of the philosophical issues which arise from the notions of reliability and validity. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:41:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110885 This seminar discusses the HOMEWORK system that uses a combination of interactive whiteboard and tablet PC devices with bespoke software to support young maths learners at school, home and in-between. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:40:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110884 A discussion of the uses of data which is available at the level of the whole test and the individual item. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:37:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110901 A look at the data and statistics that are employed in grading and awarding. Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:02:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110900 This session will provide an opportunity to discuss approaches to assessing PDP in different subject areas in Higher Education and the issues that need to be considered. Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:01:00 BST http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Events/Event_Detail?id=110896 In 2000, Sheila Dainton noticed the shifting definitions, in Government speeches, of ‘personalised learning’. In 2006 we continue to have significant lack of clarity in this concept; a worrying issue, given its centrality in many public statements regarding the ‘direction of travel’ of educational policy. Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:13:00 BST