Our orders are delivered strictly on time without delay 
Demonstrate that you can understand the needs of pupils and the problems they may encounter with developing
reading writing speaking and listening and numeracy skills. need to draw on relevant theory to analyse factors
which help or hinder development and evaluate various strategies to assess progress in literacy or numeracy
skills
written third person with examples of own practise
literature to support each point.
direct quotes to appear in quotation marks.
paraphrasing to be utilised
1. analyse those factors which help or hinder the development of English and mathematical skills .
2. evaluate different ways in which skills in English and maths are assessed
Sample Answer
Understanding the Needs and Challenges in Developing Literacy and Numeracy Skills
When it comes to developing literacy and numeracy skills, it is crucial to understand the needs of pupils and the potential challenges they may face. By drawing on relevant theory and personal practice, we can analyze the factors that influence skill development and evaluate strategies for assessing progress in English and math.
Factors Affecting Literacy and Numeracy Development
Individual Differences: Every student has unique learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds that can impact their literacy and numeracy development. Factors such as cognitive abilities, prior knowledge, language proficiency, and socio-economic status can either support or hinder skill acquisition. For example, students with learning disabilities may require tailored instructional approaches to overcome challenges.
Home Environment: The home environment plays a significant role in shaping a student’s literacy and numeracy skills. Supportive home environments that value reading, provide access to books, engage in conversations, and encourage numeracy activities can foster positive skill development. Conversely, a lack of resources, limited parental involvement, or a negative attitude towards learning can hinder progress.
Quality of Instruction: The effectiveness of teaching practices greatly impacts skill development. Research shows that explicit instruction, scaffolding, modeling, and providing opportunities for practice are essential for literacy and numeracy growth. Teachers who create engaging and differentiated learning experiences can help students overcome barriers and make progress.
Motivation and Engagement: Motivation and engagement are critical factors in skill development. Students who are intrinsically motivated to learn, have a growth mindset, and see the relevance of literacy and numeracy in their lives are more likely to succeed. On the other hand, lack of interest, low self-confidence, or negative experiences can impede progress.
Strategies for Assessing Literacy and Numeracy Skills
Formative Assessment: Formative assessment strategies provide ongoing feedback and support for students’ learning journeys. These include observations, questioning, self-assessment tasks, and peer feedback. By identifying specific areas of strength and areas for improvement, teachers can tailor instruction to meet individual needs.
Research by Hattie and Timperley (2007) highlights the effectiveness of feedback in improving student learning: “Feedback is one of the most powerful influences on learning and achievement.”
Standardized Testing: Standardized tests provide a snapshot of students’ overall performance in literacy and numeracy skills. While they can provide useful data for comparison and system-level analysis, they should not be the sole measure of student progress. It is important to consider other forms of assessment that capture a wider range of skills and abilities.
Performance-Based Assessment: Performance-based assessments focus on students’ ability to apply their literacy and numeracy skills to real-world tasks or problems. This can include projects, presentations, portfolios, or simulations. Performance-based assessments provide a more authentic measure of students’ abilities and can capture a deeper understanding of concepts.
According to Black and Wiliam (1998), using assessment tasks that require higher-order thinking skills can promote meaningful learning: “Assessment tasks should be designed to engage students in applying knowledge in ways that reflect typical problems or situations encountered outside school.”
Multiple Measures Approach: To obtain a comprehensive understanding of students’ literacy and numeracy skills, it is essential to use multiple assessment methods. This can include a combination of formative assessments, teacher observations, standardized tests, performance-based assessments, and student reflections. By triangulating data from various sources, teachers can gain a more holistic view of students’ progress.
In conclusion, understanding the needs of pupils and the challenges they may encounter in developing literacy and numeracy skills is crucial for effective instruction. Factors such as individual differences, home environment, quality of instruction, and motivation greatly influence skill development. When assessing progress in English and math, using strategies like formative assessment, standardized testing (in moderation), performance-based assessment, and a multiple measures approach can provide valuable insights into students’ abilities and inform instructional decisions. By considering relevant theory and personal practice, educators can create supportive learning environments that promote optimal skill development in literacy and numeracy.
