By Garfield Gini-Newman and Laura Gini-Newman
Powerful Instruction and Powerful Assessment: The Double-Helix of Learning
Abstract
This paper is an exploration of the potential of infusing assessment and instructional practices. The authors Garfield Gini-Newman and Laura Gini-Newman, name their approach the Double Helix of Learning. In their discussions they introduce the concept that, “Powerful assessment occurs at the intersection of three essential goals for learning – inspire learning, inform learning and sustain learning.” The authors share the application of ongoing assessment practices and the active participation of students in this process through strategies of sustained critical inquiry for deep learning.
TMC6_2020_Gini-Newman&Gini-Newman.pdf
Garfield Gini-Newman. As a national senior consultant with The Critical Thinking Consortium (TC²) and associate professor at OISE/University of Toronto, Garfield has worked with thousands of teachers across grades and subjects. Previously he was a teacher and curriculum consultant and has led major projects exploring the use of digital technologies to enhance critical, creative and collaborative thinking. Garfield speaks across Canada and internationally, has authored seven textbooks and has taught in the faculties of education at York University and the University of British Columbia.
Laura Gini-Newman began consulting with TC² after a career as an economist, financial accountant, university instructor, consultant, coach, teacher, curriculum and textbook writer. She has taught economics, mathematics, philosophy, history and geography for over 20 years. She continues to support teachers across all subject areas around the world as a facilitator and writer for TC². With a strong passion and expertise in mathematics, Laura is consulting with TC² on the development of a conceptual framework with supporting resources for the implementation of critical thinking in the teaching and learning of mathematics.