Assessments in the classroom are something necessary, because a lot of teachers partially develop their own instruction. Assessment is an integral part of instruction, as it determines whether or not the goals of education are being met.
Though students don’t always like them, assessments are important to ensure students learn everything they should in a manner that is appropriate.
Assessment affects decisions about grades, placement, advancement, instructional needs, curriculum, and, in some cases, funding. Assessment inspire us to ask these hard questions: “Are we teaching what we think we are teaching?” “Are students learning what they are supposed to be learning?” “Is there a way to teach the subject better, thereby promoting better learning?”
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Assessment is a key component of learning because it helps students learn. When students are able to see how they are doing in a class, they are able to determine whether or not they understand course material. Assessment can also help motivate students. If students know they are doing poorly, they may begin to work harder.
“Improving” is a key element when talking about assessment in the classroom. Assessment is important for the development of your instruction. However, teachers often use assessments the wrong way. Assessments are about improving and with that said, it’s not the same as an evaluation. An evaluation is about showing the shortfalls and is judgmental while an assessment is about providing feedback and it is positive.
Today’s students need to know not only the basic reading and arithmetic skills, but also skills that will allow them to face a world that is continually changing. They must be able to think critically, to analyze, and to make inferences. Changes in the skills base and knowledge our students need require new learning goals; these new learning goals change the relationship between assessment and instruction. Teachers need to take an active role in making decisions about the purpose of assessment and the content that is being assessed.
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The most popular kinds of assessment are formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment takes place during the beginning of your instruction. It gives the creator feedback of the strengths and weaknesses of your instruction, so you know where to improve more. Summative assessment takes place when the instruction is implemented. Summative assessment is aimed at assessing the extent to which the most important outcomes at the end of the instruction have been reached.
Assessment in classroom is really important. With the different kinds of assessment, the teacher is able to evaluate in an ongoing process with the aim to provide feedback for developing better instruction.