Assessments

"Assessment is a way of finding out if learning has taken place. It enables you to ascertain if your learner has gained the required skills, knowledge, understanding and/or attitudes and behaviours needed at a given point in time towards their learning programme."


Ann Gravells (2014)

Types of Assessments

Initial

Diagnostic

Formative

Summative

An initial assessment is used to gain an understanding of the learners needs. This is also known as 'assessment for learning'. This type of assessment can offer insight into any barriers that may make it harder for students to learn.

Methods of Assessments

Summative

Formative assessment is ongoing and used to 'check in' with students at different parts of a module or course. This assessment can be done formally or informally.

A summative assessment can be held at the end of a unit / course and can be used to evaluate students learning. Summative assessments can be used at the end of a project to inform the learning for the next project.

Diagnostic assessment is used to understand students current knowledge, strengths and weaknesses in a subject or their skills. This type of assessment allows teachers to see any 'gaps' in learning and plan the appropriate lesson content.

Practical activities

Projects

Case studies

Assignments

Exams

Assignments and exams are formal ways of assessing a students learning based on a specific topic or within a subject area. Exams are normally within a controlled environment whereas assignments can be set as part of coursework. Exams may be a direct outcome of a course or require students to pass before continuing on the rest of the course.

Practical activities and projects can provide opportunities for students to actively show their learning after being taught a particular subject e.g. a science experiment or a final major project. This method could inform the next steps for the teacher and could be formal assessed part of the course.

Case studies offer students a chance to project their learning and personal view on a particular matter or precedent. When assessed, a teacher should remain open-minded to different interpretations.

Formative

Informal Observation

Informal observation offers teachers the opportunity to support students needs as they may change through the course. Teachers can use this information for their next steps and could encourage a positive reflection for students.

Module review / survey

Quizzes

A purpose driven method for teachers to consolidate feedback on learning, with the option for students to submit answers anonymously.

Initial

Diagnostic

Quizzes could be an informal and fun interaction assessment method to review the understanding of a class on a particular subject area. Requires engagement and collaborative thinking if the class is made into groups.

Entrance exam / test

Interview

CV / Resume

Entrance exams / tests are formal assessments that require students to complete in order to be considered for entry onto a course or workplace.

An interview can be either informal or formal and is used by teachers to assess abilities, skills and knowledge and to evaluate overall suitability to a job or course offer. Creates an opportunity for students to show their work and communicate their passions and interests.

Normally submitted to a workplace / course as initial assessment of previous experience, education and interests. A written document with limits as opposed to an verbal interview situation.

Quizzes / Puzzles

Reflective journals

Requires students to be reflective and their work. If written submissions are required, writing can also be assessed in analysing English writing skills.

Practical exercise / Role play

A practical exercise could be part of the interview process / start of a course and ask students to actively participate in part of an activity, informing the assessor of skills practically and highlight areas for improvement.

Self Assessment

Discussions

Mindmaps

Mindmaps are purpose driven to assess learners understanding on a subject or set a task of researching. Can be creative outlet for students to collate their knowledge and understanding on a subject.

Open 1:1 discussions to communicate areas of concern or need for development in a certain are of learning.

Student led reflective assessment on how they feel they have managed a module / course. Useful insight for tutors to use against their own understanding of the student.

A quiz / puzzle can help tutors to view students understanding through an informal approach after learning about a topic.

References

Gravells, A., 2022. Assessment [Online] Available at: (https://www.anngravells.com/information/assessment)
[Accessed 15 May 2022].

Presentations

Presentations can be both summative and formative method of assessment. They can provide a great opportunity for 'real-life' situations.