The atmosphere in the classroom is a particularly important factor in allowing AfL, according to a recent study. The report by Clare Hodgson and Katie Pyle, senior research officers at the National Foundation for Educational Research, said: “It is crucial that a co-constructivist, non-threatening environment is established in order for pupils to feel able to express their ideas and allow the teacher to establish what the pupils know, what they don’t know and what they partly know - their misconceptions - and to develop teaching that will move their understanding on.”

Hodgson, C. and Pyle, K. (2010). A Literature Review of Assessment for Learning in Science Slough: NFER.