Reflective Essay on Assessment

The Repercussions of Assessment on the Teaching and the learning Process, 2017

Abstract. This paper explores profoundly the pivotal role that assessment plays in the educational process from different perspectives. Firstly, it defines the concept of assessment and points out the differences between assessment and evaluation. Moreover, explicates the impacts of assessment on the educational process and investigates the different levels of assessment and the role of each level in enriching the educational process. Furthermore, states the characteristics of an effective and efficient assessment tool and the practical ways of designing and implementing exams in a constructive and engaging educational environment. Additionally, this article differentiates between assessments in order to make use of them effectively.

Journal of Educational and Social Research, 2013

This paper examines assessment as a tool for effective teaching and learning. It revealed the concept of teaching and learning in lined with its improvement through the use of assessment. The concept of assessment and its various forms were x-rayed as a means of assessing both the teaching and learning. The author thereafter examines the problems of operating assessment in the schools to include among others, the difficulty of incorporating assessment scores to final examinations, lack of qualified teachers and large classes. The author further shield light on the implications of assessment to teaching and learning with the main idea that, where assessment is implemented effectively, it raises standard of achievement across the board. Finally, the author recommends among others that stakeholders in education and the external examination bodies should brain storm on the possible ways to incorporate assessment scores of students to final examination scores, government and private organizations should assist in training and retraining of teachers to effectively handle students' assessment and teachers were called upon to find way of receiving better feedback from learners by improving on the quality of class room dialogue.

Assessment is indispensable component of curriculum practice. In systems of education, one of the prime considerations of administrators, teachers, and students alike are the outcomes of learning, what ability students can demonstrate because of increase in their knowledge and changes in understanding because of experiences in school or college. Concern for how learning takes place in higher learning institutes and how instruction and assessment affect the quality of learning is desirable, for students need to acquire knowledge and competencies that can be transferable in the work place. Therefore, educators need to think carefully about the quality of curriculum practice and learning assessment in higher education. Much of current teaching and assessment in higher learning institutes seems to induce passive, reproductive form of learning that is contrary to the aims of instructors themselves. Most of the time instructors emphasize on factual knowledge, bind students too firmly within currently acceptable theoretical framework, and do the same while assessing learning. To the contrary, transferable skills valued by employers such as problem solving, communication skills, and working effectively with others are highly essential. Educators are suggesting that instructors will be more effective if assessment is integral to teaching and how learning activities are structured. Performance assessment, portfolios, authentic assessment and student self and peer assessment together with feedback and comments have been advocated as procedures that align assessment with current constructivist theories of learning and teaching. For instance, teachers are responsible for providing feedback that students need in order to re-learn and refine learning goals. Hence, this article reviews, roles of assessment in operating and experiencing the curriculum, importance of continuous assessment for enhancement of student learning, and the roles of feedback and comments for curriculum practice and learning enhancement.

2019

The success of the teaching and learning process depends on the ability of the teacher to use appropriate methods in the teaching process as well as assessment. With a wide range of assessment methods, every teacher must carefully select the right method in order to determine the progress of each learner before the end of the lesson, session, unit or course. Despite the differences or similarities in the assessment methods, it is crucial to remember that the assessment process should have goals that include improving the learning process for the sake of the learner. For this assignment, I will be comparing the Formative and Benchmarking methods of assessment as experienced and witnessed in my career.

Assessment Practices in Education "We plan. We develop. We deliver. We assess and evaluate the results of the assessment. We revise, deliver the revised material, and assess and evaluate again. Perfection is always just out of reach; but continually striving for perfection contributes to keeping both our instruction fresh and our interest in teaching piqued."-E.S. Grassian Assessment is a fundamental element in the process of teaching and learning and is instrumental in enhancing its overall quality. Well designed assessment sets clear expectations, establishes a reasonable workload-one that does not drive students into rote reproductive approaches to study, and offers myriad opportunities for students to self-monitor, rehearse, practise and receive feedback. It is an integral component of a coherent and a sound educational experience. The paper attempts to highlight some of the foundational concepts and principles of assessment, assessment strategies and assessment literacy-in other words, what it is, why it is important to a teacher and how it is practised with reference to a good Language test. We have this notion that assessment often hinders the flow of teaching; but it is not so. There are so many assessment techniques that we consciously and unconsciously incorporate in our teaching strategies, however, at times we are unaware of the specific terminologies that go with them. The term raises some questions in my mind: How good or effective an assessor am I? Am I neglecting assessments while I teach? Am I able to draw a line between a smooth flow of instructions and at the same time keep an eye on the effect of instructions on the learners? Are these one to three hour tests actually valid form of assessment? If a learner fails a test does that mean that his assessment is negative? A commendable aspect of assessment is that it focuses on what students know, what they are able to do, and what values they have when they graduate to higher pastures in their academic journey. Let us not judge our students simply on what they know. That is the philosophy of the quiz programme. Rather let them be judged on what they can generate from what they know — how well they can leap the barrier from learning to thinking.-Jerome Bruner (Harvard Educational Review, 1959) Assessment does not stand in isolation from other acts that are a part of the process of learning, unlearning and relearning. Introducing multifaceted learning strategies in class would open up numerous vistas for learners with multiple intelligences and would certainly validate the process of assessments that are employed by the teachers. There is an urgent need to have a more constructive approach towards assessment planning and strategies.

Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice,, 2008

The paper reports on the findings of a Learning and Skills Research Centre (LSRC) funded study investigating the impact of different modes and methods of assessment on achievement and progress in post-secondary education and training. Data were collected across Advanced-level academic and vocational preparation programmes in schools and colleges, work-based training, and adult education settings. The paper reports that clarity in assessment procedures, processes and criteria has underpinned widespread use of coaching, practice and provision of formative feedback to boost achievement, but that such transparency encourages instrumentalism. It concludes that the practice of assessment has moved from assessment of learning, through assessment for learning, to assessment as learning, with assessment procedures and practices coming completely to dominate the learning experience and 'criteria compliance' replacing 'learning'.