Student evaluation is an integral part of the teaching and learning process. The primary purpose of student assessment and evaluation is to support student learning.
For teachers, assessment is intended to answer the question "have students learned?" Teachers use assessment to determine the effectiveness of instruction and to guide future learning. Teachers analyze the results of assessment to determine which students require further instruction and to reflect on their practice in order to improve student learning.
For the student, assessment is beneficial because it provides timely constructive feedback about their understanding. Students use this feedback to adjust their learning and to identify areas for further growth.
Two Types of Assessment
Teachers incorporate two types of evaluation in their practice: formative and summative. In a formative evaluation (assessment for learning), teachers use information about student achievement to monitor progress and plan further instruction. In a summative evaluation (assessment of learning), teachers make judgments about student achievement at the completion of the learning process. Teachers use the results of summative evaluation to determine final grades.
In either case, student evaluation must be closely linked to curriculum, which is written in terms of what a student should be able to do as an outcome of learning. Many of these outcomes, such as critical problem solving or appreciation for music, cannot be measured using traditional pencil-and-paper techniques.
Educational Professionals Agree on Best Practices
The Principles for Fair Student Assessment Practices for Education in Canada describes the practices that are generally accepted by professional organizations for fair assessment. This document was developed by a national working group and endorsed by professional teacher and administrator organizations.