ROLE OF ASSESSMENT [FORMATIVE , SUMMATIVE AND SELF ASSESSMENT]

 ROLE OF ASSESSMENT[Assessment for learning, Assessment as learning and Assessment of learning]

Assessment plays a critical role in the learning process by providing a structured way to evaluate, support, and enhance both teaching and learning. 

Formative and summative assessments are two key types of assessment used in education to evaluate student learning and progress. They differ in purpose, timing, and usage.

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Formative Assessment [Assessment for Learning]

Formative assessment is a continuous process aimed at monitoring and improving student learning during the instructional process. It helps teachers and students identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The focus is on feedback rather than grading.                                                         

Characteristics of Formative Assessment

• 1. Ongoing Process: Conducted continuously during the learning process.
  2. Diagnostic: Identifies student strengths, weaknesses, and learning gaps.
  3. Feedback-Oriented: Provides timely and actionable feedback for improvement.
  4. Collaborative: Encourages interaction between teachers and students.
  5. Flexible: Adapts to student needs and instructional goals.
  6. Improvement-Focused: Aims to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness.
  7. Engages Students: Involves self-assessment and peer feedback to promote active learning.
  8. Variety of Methods: Includes tools like quizzes, discussions, observations etc.
  9. Real-Time Adjustment: Allows teachers to modify instruction based on immediate insights.
  10. Diagnostic and developmental: Assess strength and weakness of students, then gives remedial measures or developmental tasks.

Examples

1. Classroom Discussions: Asking open-ended questions during lessons to gauge understanding.
2. Quizzes: Short, ungraded quizzes to check comprehension of recently taught material.
3. Peer Reviews: Students reviewing each other’s work and providing feedback.
4. Exit Tickets: Students write down one thing they learned or a question they still have before leaving class.
5. Observation: Teachers observing students during group work to assess collaboration and participation.

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Summative Assessment.[Assessment of Learning]

Summative assessment evaluates student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing it against a standard or benchmark. It is used to measure the effectiveness of instruction and the extent of student learning.

Characteristics of Summative Assessment

1. End-of-Instruction: Conducted after a learning unit, term, or course.
2. Evaluative: Measures the extent of student learning and achievement.
3. Grading-Oriented: Results are used for assigning grades or certifications.
4. Formal: Structured and standardized in approach.
5. Benchmarking: Compares student performance against set standards or criteria.
6. Comprehensive: Covers a wide range of content from the learning period.
7. Summarizes Learning: Provides a conclusive snapshot of what students have learned.
8. Delayed Feedback: Feedback is usually provided after assessment completion.

Examples

1. Final Exams: Comprehensive tests covering all material taught in a course.
2. Standardized Tests: Assessments like state exams that measure achievement across a large group.
3. Research Papers: In-depth projects submitted at the end of a term or unit.
4. End-of-Term Projects: Group or individual projects demonstrating mastery of a subject.
5. Performance Assessments: Final presentations and portfolio reviews.

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Key Differences

	Formative Assessment	Summative Assessment
Purpose	To improve learning and teaching	To evaluate overall achievement
Timing	During the learning process	At the end of a unit/course
Feedback	Immediate and ongoing	After completion, often delayed
Formality	Informal or semi-formal	Formal

Both types of assessments are essential in education, complementing each other to support and evaluate learning effectively.

Self-Assessment [ Assessment as Learning ]

Self-assessment is a process where students evaluate their own learning, understanding, and performance. It fosters critical thinking, self-awareness, and independence by encouraging students to reflect on their progress and identify areas for improvement. In the classroom, self-assessment promotes active engagement and responsibility for learning, helping students become more effective learners.

Through self assessment teachers monitor students' meta cognitive process. 

Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It is often described as "thinking about thinking" and involves the ability to monitor, evaluate, and regulate one's cognitive activities.

Assessment as learning is also a formative assessment

Key Benefits of Self-Assessment in the Classroom

1. Promotes Ownership: Students take responsibility for their learning and understand their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Encourages Reflection: It helps students evaluate their strategies and progress toward learning goals.
3. Develops Critical Thinking: Evaluating one’s own work sharpens analytical and problem-solving skills.
4. Improves Motivation: Understanding their progress can motivate students to set and achieve higher goals.

Students learn to evaluate their performance critically, understand their progress, and take active steps toward improvement. This practice not only enhances academic performance but also builds skills for lifelong learning.