Book Description

Through the use of an innovative formal formative assessment measure, Developing Inquiry Based Skills (DIBS), this study sought to identify dimensions of the formative assessment process that are related to changes in student and teacher efficacy. This study also sought to bring clarity and definition to the formative assessment process while examining its impact on student and teacher efficacy in middle school science classrooms. This study also explored what dimensions of formative assessment influenced student and teacher efficacy in middle school science classrooms. This mixed-methods study utilized quantitative data, collected from a survey of science efficacy attitudes of middle school students and two science teacher efficacy attitude surveys, and qualitative data collected from teacher and science supervisor interviews. Survey data from the treatment and non-treatment schools were compared to determine the impact DIBS had on student and teacher efficacy. Interview data were used to determine the impact of formative assessment on student and teacher efficacy and to identify dimensions of the formative assessment that influenced student and teacher efficacy. Quantitative data from the study reinforced current research indicating that there is a statistically significant relationship between student achievement in science and student science efficacy. Qualitative data from the study indicated that teachers perceive that the formative assessment process does have a positive impact on both student and teacher efficacy. The use of the DIBS process brought consistency to the introduction and assessment of science process skills by the grade level teams and the school-wide science department. As students tracked their own data they not only became more aware of personal strengths and weaknesses, but they also became excited to engage in the assessment process. The DIBS process provided teachers with quantifiable data that they could use to make instructional decisions. Teachers used data to develop targeted student interventions. The DIBS process also increased the level of transparency between student and teachers resulting in the development of a common language between stakeholders. The development of this common language was a critical component for improving student engagement, student science efficacy, and teacher efficacy in the middle school science classroom.