Its’ 2026, and GCSE English resit results have never been worse. Source: JCQ National Results Data The way I like to interpret this graph is as conclusive proof that the strategies we’re using to improve resit learners’ English skills do not work. A kinder way to say this might be: ‘the strategies do not work on today’s AI-crutch generation of learners’, but frankly, they’ve really never worked – especially since Gove’s 2010 reforms and the making of resits compulsory in 2014. […]

I remember inspecting an IT provider whose learners had a very strong opinion about their induction experience – it was too long. The manager told me it was currently two weeks, having been cut down from three the previous year due to poor learner feedback. This action hadn’t stopped the complaints, so they were cutting to just one week in the coming year. This was a classic example of poor self assessment. You can’t solve a problem by reacting to […]

This blog isn’t about AI, it’s about assessment; but AI’s where the story begins.. I’m finally a convert – for some things, at least. Gemini and ChatGPT have helped me solve some tricky computer issues recently, though I have to say, with appalling levels of efficiency. The format’s always the same: a cheery ‘I got ya! Here’s all you need to do…!’ Its wonderfully-programmed confidence sucks you in, and down the rabbit hole you go. But the thing is with […]

I recently provided some training on self assessment and development planning for the wonderful team at ATTFE College. I’m sharing their comments here as they’re a wonderful milestone in a near 40-year journey… I’ve been a massive fan of self assessment from the end of my first year in teaching, back in 1987/8. The impact of embracing it as a wholly positive, team-driven act was profound. And I’m very proud to say that this wonderfully creative experience ultimately had a […]

CCQI Research Group, call for collaborators Dear LinkedIn Network, this is a call for anyone who would like to join me on a collaborative research project. The project centres on a comparison between AI-designed and teacher-designed learning materials. The theme for this comparison is ‘The Resilient Learner’. There will be two outputs: a staff-development session on Resilience, and a short paper comparing AI- and human-designed resources. I’m interested in hearing from collaborators from the following three categories: those interested in […]