Challenges with using formative and authentic assessment in physical education teaching from experienced teachers’ perspectives

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to identify the challenges of using formative assessment (FA) and authentic assessment (AA) in physical education (PE) teaching, based on some experienced teachers’ perspectives. Semi-structured interviews of four teachers were conducted and analysed. The results show how the teachers operationalised the FA and AA to support student learning. They emphasised that to obtain positive results for teachers and pupils, it is key that the teaching is organised with assessment in mind, and that the assessment is structured. The study concludes that with pedagogic knowledge and a positive attitude to use the FA and AA, it is possible to overcome the drawbacks revealed in the PE assessment literature. Nevertheless, these teachers belonged to communities of practice linked to the FA and AA in PE, which seems to be a key factor to achieve the desired ‘assessment literacy’ needed to initiate those changes in PE.