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A wide range of diverse responses by individual students to innovative or alternative assessment are described and discussed, drawing on research data. Student perspectives are significant since assessment is a powerful factor in determining the hidden curriculum and assessment reform has frequently been proposed as a means of better aligning actual experience with the official curriculum. At a general level, students appeared to understand and adapt to new assessment requirements but case studies illustrate that students do not respond in a fixed nor simple way. Individuals are active in the reconstruction of the messages and meanings of assessment. Ostensibly the same assessment is interpreted differently not just by 'staff and 'students' but by individuals. Students import a range of experiences, motivations and perspectives which influence their response. However, although the process is complex, insights gained can be helpful in better aligning the hidden and the formal curriculum.

This paper is based upon in-depth interview studies with a range of parents and explores their beliefs, expectations and experiences of parenting support. Three dominant ways in which parents viewed parenting education are identified. The implications of these conceptual categories or 'models' of parenting support are discussed in terms of their impact on parents' approaches to parenting education and the quality of the outcomes. These interpretations raise questions about the nature and impact of parenting support. As such, they have significant implications for the development and delivery of future parenting provision.

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