Exploring K–12 Teachers’ Assessment Literacy and Self-efficacy in China

Abstract

Over the past three decades, assessment literacy has become a global priority for teachers, but its overall status in China remains underexplored. Previous research suggested that teachers’ assessment literacy significantly influenced their self-efficacy in assessment. This study used a quantitative survey, including the “Questionnaire of Teacher Assessment Self-Efficacy” and the “Teacher Assessment Literacy Inventory”, to examine this dynamic among 312 teachers from Shanghai, China. Key findings included: (1) most Chinese teachers lacked a fundamental understanding of assessment literacy; (2) assessment literacy significantly impacted teachers’ self-efficacy, particularly in areas related to selecting and developing methods; and (3) secondary school teachers, mathematics teachers, and both novice and highly experienced teachers showed the greatest impact of assessment literacy on self-efficacy. These insights highlighted the need for enhanced professional development in assessment literacy in Asia and offered perspectives for Western educators working with teachers and students from Asia.