6 types of learning assessment Magic Post

by TeachingThe Staff of Thought

What are the types of learning evaluation?

And more importantly, when should you use which one? If the program of study is What models of teaching and learning are the howassessment is a perplexed “Hmmmm” – as in, I assumed This And This on student learning, but after giving that assessment, well… ‘Hmmmmm.’

In The difference between assessment for learning and assessment for learning, we explained that “assessment for learning is commonly called formative assessment, that is, assessment designed to inform teaching.” Below we identify the types of learning assessment – ​​very briefly, with simple ways to “think” about each so that you can hopefully wake up with a better understanding of each type.

6 types of learning assessment

1. Diagnostic assessment (as a pre-assessment)

Diagnostic assessments are used at the beginning of a course or unit to determine students’ prior knowledge, skills, and understanding of the subject matter. This type of assessment helps teachers identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to plan instruction that meets the specific needs of their students. Examples include pre-tests, surveys, or initial observations.

One way to think about it: Assess a student’s strengths, weaknesses, knowledge, and skills before instruction.

Another way to think about it: A baseline to work from

Tip: To do at the start of the school year, at the start of a unit, at the start of a course, etc.

See also What is project-based learning?

2. Formative assessment

Formative assessments are ongoing processes that teachers use to monitor student learning and provide feedback during instruction. These assessments help teachers adjust their teaching strategies to improve student understanding and performance. Examples include quizzes, class discussions, and homework assignments that inform teachers about student progress.

One way to think about it: Evaluates a student’s performance during instruction and usually occurs regularly throughout the teaching process.

Another way to think about it: As a “check-up” to the doctor to provide data to revise instructions

Tip: Using digital exit ticket tools like Loop can be an easy way to check if students have understood the course content, while also encouraging their thinking.

3. Summative evaluation

So, what are the different types of learning assessment? The next time someone says “evaluation,” you can say “What type and what do we do with the data?” » Summative assessment, for example.

Summative assessments assess student learning at the end of an instructional period, such as the end of a unit, course, or school year. These assessments are used to determine whether students have achieved learning objectives and to assign grades. Examples include final exams, end-of-term projects, and standardized tests.

One way to think about it: Measures a student’s results at the end of instruction. It’s like telling someone about a movie after the movie is over. 🙂

Another way to look at it: it’s macabre, but if formative assessment is a test, summative assessment could be considered an autopsy. What happened? Now that it’s over, what went well and what didn’t?

Tip: Summative assessments can be useful for teachers to improve units and lessons from year to year by measuring student performance, because they are, in some way, as much a reflection of the quality of the units and lessons themselves than that of the students.

4. Normative assessment

One way to think about it: compares a student’s performance to that of other students (a national group or another “norm”)

Another way to think about it: Location, group or “demographic” assessment. Many standardized tests are used as norm-referenced assessments.

Tip: These assessments are useful over time in student profiles or for placement in national level programs, for example.

5. Criterion-referenced assessment

One way to think about it: measures a student’s performance against a specific goal, objective, or standard.

Another way to think about it: a bar to measure all students

Tip: These can serve as a formative assessment of sorts and should be integrated throughout your program to guide adjustments to your teaching over time. Mastery or competency-based learning would use criterion-referenced assessments.

6. Interim/baseline assessment

One way to think about it: Evaluates student performance at periodic intervals, often at the end of a grading period. Can predict student performance on end-of-year summative assessments. A baseline assessment is an interim assessment, so it might be helpful to think of them as separate even though they function similarly.

Another way to think about it: Bar chart or graph of growth throughout a year, often against specific “benchmarks”

Tip: Baseline assessments can be helpful in communicating important facts and data to parents, district officials, and others. One goal is to inform the allocation of resources (time and money) to respond to this data.

6 types of learning assessment