Assessing and Evaluating for Learning/Introduction to Assessment and Evaluation module

Setting the scene
Assessment can be the lynch pin for learning if it is well designed. It is important to differentiate between assessment for learning and assessment of learning. Which forms of assessment are most likely to encourage and motivate students? When should assessment take place and how often? These are some of the questions we will be considering in the course.

Assessment is defined in a number of ways. It is also sometimes referred to as evaluation, but is this correct? You may like to check out the definitions in the Glossary of Assessment Terms from the American Public University System. This glossary may be helpful as you progress through the course.

Types of assessment
Assessment is a huge and varied area of teaching and learning. Assessment possibilities are only limited by imagination as they can occur in many varied forms.

Values and principles of assessment
Setting assessments is all very well, but how do you know if they are suitable for purpose and what was intended (e.g., formal or informal, or formative or summative)? It is also important to consider the values of assessment such as validity, reliability, authenticity and transparency etc. of the assessments you use. To understand why these matters are important, you need to refer to the The fundamentals of effective assessment: Twelve principles published by the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at Melbourne University.

Why do we assess?
Given that many tools and methods that can be used for assessment, it is useful to think about the reasons for assessing.

Formative and summative Assessment
Assessment can be formal and informal, but what does this actually mean? Generally, formal assessment attracts a mark or a grade contributing to a final recorded result, and informal assessment is used to provide feedback to support students' learning.

Policy
Policy may support assessment procedures, particularly where formal assessment is undertaken and results are recorded.

Assessment Processes
Key features of any assessment processes include:
 * Careful design of assessment methods and tools;
 * Appropriate delivery of assessments;
 * Clear and constructive feedback; and
 * Fair marking.

These aspects of the process will be be explored in relation to a variety of assessment methods and tools throughout this course.