S.A.L.F. Self Assessment Learning Folders - Placing Classroom Practice at the Heart of Assessment: How can teachers work in the classroom in a way that helps children take an active and engaging role in the assessment of their work? How can teachers do this while at the same time making sure that learning objectives are being achieved? Self Assessment and Learning Folders, SALF was produced in Ireland to provide teachers with a structured framework that bridges teacher-led learning and assessment with child-led learning and assessment. SALF is based on socio-constructivist principles of learning and provides a framework for teachers that enable children become more active in their own learning and in the assessment of that learning. SALF outlines classroom practices that support and enhance children's assessment and learning using methodologies that best develop children's competencies for peer and self-assessment. Researched and piloted in Irish schools, SALF has been designed for Irish school children and their teachers, parents, guardians or carers. It clearly outlines the steps involved in creating, compiling and completing Self Assessment and Learning Folders with Junior, Middle and Senior Classes in the Primary school. It includes strategies for supporting the involvement of parents/guardians/carers and others in the process. SALF provides a framework for children to present evidence of their work and their assessment of that work across all curricular areas and beyond. Features of SALF include: Self Assessment and Learning Folders provide a framework for children to present evidence of their work and their assessment of that work across all curricular areas Provides a source of information that can be used by them to make assessment decisions about that learning Personal to the child Respects the potential of the child Empowers children to discuss their own learning Encourages children to explore their own learning and the learning of other children Involves peer and public learning Provides activities that directly and positively build links between home and school around the learning of the child Bridges learning inside and outside school Creates a safe context for children to express their own thinking about their learning The SALF process recognises: The role of the teacher as facilitator of the child as learner The central role the child occupies in the process Authors: Joan Keating N.T. B.Ed (Hons) & Siobhan Cahillane-McGovern Ph.D MORE ABOUT SALF: There are a number of SALF training options available including an online DES approved course hosted by the INTO and three face-to-face summer courses in 2014. More details on all training options can be found on the CPD icon below. You will find other interesting links below including: Free download document linking SALF and your SSE (School Self Evaluation) for circulation Samples of Children's actual folders from lower, middle and upper classes Video Testimonials from teachers and pupils using SALF in their school, including a video from a teacher in an ASD unit Free download Habdout on SALF for circulation Link to all SALF components in our online store (including the reduced priced folders)