Assessment

Running Head : Role of Assessment

The Role of Assessment

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Abstract

We often encounter the terms assessment and evaluation and mistake them for being the same . As terminologies to mean ways of measurement , we sometimes use these terms interchangeably . However , assessment is different from evaluation in some aspects . In this , we define the two terms and give the differences between the two . Then , we tackle the role of assessment in the teaching and learning process . In addition , we also

name the different types of assessment , which are commonly used in the academic field . To give more light on the uses of assessment , we also discuss assessment trends , and give insights on current and innovative assessment tools

The Importance of Assessment

In the education field , assessment and evaluation are means to measure individual learning or performance . Although both are used in the finding out outcomes , it should be noted that assessment differs from evaluation

Straight (2002 ) established the differences between the two using seven dimensions . These include timing , focus of measurement , relationship between administrator and recipient , findings , modifiability , standards of measurement , and relation between objects . On timing , Straight considers assessment to be formative while evaluation is summative . This means that assessment is an ongoing measure as learning takes place while evaluation is done with finality in to gauge quality . On focus of measurement , assessment is considered as process-oriented whereas evaluation is product oriented . This implies that assessment is concerned on the process of learning while evaluation is focused on the amount of learning that took place . As regards relationship between administrator and recipient , assessment is viewed as reflective while evaluation is prescriptive . This means that assessment gives importance on the strength and weaknesses of a learning process while evaluation focuses on solutions to remedy problems . In terms of findings assessment is considered diagnostic while evaluation is judgmental . This presents the idea that assessment is concerned with progress and improvement while evaluation relies only on the output and does not suggest room for improvement . On modifiability of criteria , Straight claims that assessment is flexible while evaluation is fixed . This also means that assessment is dependent on some considerations and may be revised accordingly while evaluation has established criteria that are non-negotiable . As regards standards of measurement , assessment is seen to be absolute , while evaluation is comparative . This sees assessment as a way to strive for ideal outcomes , while evaluation considers specific standards . In terms of relationship between objects , assessment is viewed as cooperative while evaluation is comparative

Given the above , we may say that choosing the appropriate kind of measurement that relates well with the situation is important . Some aspects to be considered include the nature of the material or situation to be assessed or evaluated , and the variables that affect measurement

The Markbook Web site (2007 ) recommends that assessment has two meanings . First , it refers to a specific instrument of measure . Second it likewise refers to the process of designing instruments...