Assessment and Evaluation for

Assessment and Evaluation for Transformation in Early Childhood establishes a new, democratic and participatory approach to assessment and evaluation in early childhood. By analysing the practice of assessment and evaluation within early childhood pedagogy, it provides a clear theoretical and methodological basis for this approach and a set of practical techniques for assessment and evaluation.

Structured into three parts – context and principles, approaches and techniques and case studies, the authors show how documentation and portfolios can be an ethical mode of conducting assessment and evaluation. The third part of the text provides educational snapshots of countries that use a participatory approach to learning and teaching, and which include the pedagogical dimension of assessment and evaluation. Each of the seven illustrative case studies from three different countries bring to life the theories, principles and techniques presented throughout the book.

Key points explored include:

· The nature and purpose of assessment and evaluation within a participatory pedagogy.

·Participatory methods for assessment and evaluation.

·The search for a holistic approach to evaluation

·Pedagogic documentation: uncovering solidary learning.

· Ethical principles for holistic pedagogic evaluation

This book is a crucial read for anyone working in early childhood education who wishes to learn more about professional, practice and policy development and all those interested in the pedagogical dimensions of assessment and evaluation.

Júlia Formosinho is Professor at the Portuguese Catholic University, Portugal, and President of the Childhood Association research centre in Braga, Portugal. She leads a team of researchers in early childhood working in Portugal, Brazil and Spain.

Christine Pascal is Director of the Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC) in Birmingham, UK, and President of the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA). She leads a team of researchers and trainers who work at policy and practice level across the UK and internationally to develop quality early education and care policy and practice.