Scope for Profiling: Computer Support for Teachers in Developing Profiled Reports

Abstract

When embarking upon the development of school‐based profiled reports, teachers must undertake careful analysis of what they expect pupils to achieve and of how these achievements can be assessed most effectively. Often a complex pattern of assessment, record keeping and reporting emerges which requires support from a computer package such as SCOPE. Its use in the development of profiled reports in science exemplifies the range of activities which teachers undertake to ensure that outcomes are meaningful and worthwhile. An appropriately designed computer package can be an incentive to teachers to undertake profiled reporting. However, the quality of the final product is dependent upon the rigour with which teachers develop their schemes. The creation of worthwhile profiled reports results from a ‘partnership’ between computer packages and teachers so that each is developed in the process.