What are the best methods for training teachers on international education standards and assessment?

2 Why are they important for teachers?

International education standards and assessment are essential for teachers, as they provide a unified language and framework for describing and assessing student learning in various contexts and cultures. With these standards, teachers can align their curriculum and instruction with the global competencies and skills that students need in the 21st century, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Furthermore, these standards allow teachers to benchmark their students' performance against other countries and regions, reflect on their own teaching practice, engage in cross-cultural dialogue with other teachers and educators around the world, and gain insights from their experiences. Ultimately, international education standards and assessment are invaluable resources for teachers to leverage in their professional development.

3 How can teachers learn about them?

Teachers can learn about international education standards and assessment in a variety of ways to meet their needs, interests, and resources. Reading and reviewing official documents and reports, such as the SDG 4 Framework for Action, the PISA 2018 Assessment Framework, and the TIMSS 2019 Framework is a great place to start. Additionally, participating in online courses and webinars that introduce the standards and assessment methods can be beneficial. For example, UNESCO offers a free online course on Education for Sustainable Development, OECD offers a free webinar series on PISA for Schools, and IEA offers a free online course on TIMSS 2019. Joining professional networks and communities that focus on international education standards and assessment is also recommended. The International Education Standards Network (IESN) is an example of such a network. Finally, attending workshops and conferences that provide training and guidance on international education standards and assessment can be invaluable. The International Conference on Education and New Developments (END) is an annual event that covers topics such as curriculum development, assessment methods, and teacher education.

4 How can teachers apply them in the classroom?

Applying international education standards and assessment in the classroom is not a one-size-fits-all process, but rather an adaptation and integration that depends on the teacher's context, goals, and students. To begin, teachers should analyze the international education standards and assessment frameworks, comparing them with the national or local curriculum and standards to identify areas of alignment and gaps. It's then important to select content and pedagogy that can address the relevant competencies and skills, as well as suit the students' needs and interests. Formative and summative assessment tasks should reflect the international education standards and assessment methods, providing meaningful feedback and evidence of learning. Lastly, teachers should evaluate and monitor the impact of the international education standards and assessment on student learning outcomes, adjusting the curriculum and instruction accordingly.

5 What are the benefits and challenges of using them?

Using international education standards and assessment can bring many benefits and challenges for teachers, depending on how they are understood and implemented. Potential benefits include enhancing the quality and relevance of education, improving accountability and transparency, fostering professional growth, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Challenges may arise when adapting and integrating the standards with the local context, balancing them with the national or local curriculum, implementing them with limited resources, and addressing the ethical and social implications. With thoughtful consideration, international education standards can be utilized to help students prepare for global challenges while respecting the different cultures, languages, and perspectives that they bring to the classroom.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?