Assessment as learning

Definition

Assessment as learning refers to the process where students actively engage in their own learning by reflecting on their understanding, monitoring their progress, and making adjustments to their learning strategies. This approach emphasizes the role of self-assessment and feedback, allowing students to take ownership of their learning journey and become more self-directed learners.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Assessment as learning encourages students to actively engage with the content, promoting deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.
2. This approach helps students develop metacognitive skills, enabling them to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses in learning.
3. By incorporating self-assessment techniques, students learn to set personal goals and track their own progress, fostering a sense of responsibility for their education.
4. Effective feedback is essential in assessment as learning, as it guides students in making necessary adjustments to their study strategies.
5. Teachers can facilitate assessment as learning by creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable reflecting on their work and sharing insights.

Review Questions

• How does assessment as learning empower students to take control of their educational journey?
  • Assessment as learning empowers students by encouraging them to reflect on their understanding and progress, allowing them to identify areas for improvement. By engaging in self-assessment and setting personal goals, students become more accountable for their learning. This active involvement not only enhances their metacognitive skills but also fosters independence, making them more motivated and effective learners.
• Discuss the relationship between assessment as learning and formative assessment practices in the classroom.
  • Assessment as learning is closely related to formative assessment practices since both focus on ongoing feedback and student involvement in the learning process. Formative assessments provide critical information that helps teachers understand student needs and adjust instruction accordingly. In contrast, assessment as learning places the responsibility on students to interpret this feedback, reflect on their performance, and adapt their strategies for improvement, thus enhancing their overall learning experience.
• Evaluate the impact of incorporating assessment as learning strategies on student engagement and achievement in a science classroom.
  • Incorporating assessment as learning strategies significantly enhances student engagement and achievement in a science classroom by promoting active participation and ownership of the learning process. Students who reflect on their understanding of scientific concepts are more likely to make meaningful connections, leading to better retention of knowledge. Moreover, by setting goals and using self-assessment tools, they can identify gaps in their understanding, which allows for targeted improvement. This proactive approach ultimately contributes to higher academic achievement and a greater interest in scientific inquiry.

Related terms

Formative Assessment: An assessment conducted during the learning process to monitor student progress and provide ongoing feedback for improvement.

Metacognition: The awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes, which plays a crucial role in self-regulation and effective learning.

Self-Regulated Learning: A process where students set goals, monitor their own progress, and reflect on their learning outcomes to enhance their educational experiences.