What is Assessment?

Assessment is a way for us to view how our students are doing in regards to the content that is being taught to them. It allows teachers to see if students are understanding the information being taught. Assessment also allows for teachers to see what areas can be improved upon by the teachers themselves. By completing assessments throughout the semester, and by having our students take part in self-assessment, we are able to see where our students are struggling and need more help to be successful. If all assessment is held off until the end of semester, our students are not receiving the education that they need. We cannot assume that all of our students understand what they are being taught.

With varying instructional strategies, assessment tools will also be changing. Teachers need to realize that not one assessment tools can be used for each type of teaching method or assignment. There are many ways in which educators can asses their students. Each assessment should be related to the assignment or activity completed by students. Students also need to be aware of what they are being assessed on, in order to limit surprises and reduce the stress of not knowing what they need to be completing. It provides the students with the expectations that you are requiring of them, and it provides the students with the criteria that they need to reach. One way to ensure students are aware of what is expected, is to have them co-construct the ways in which they will be assessed.