Written tests are one form of assessment.
Assessment is the process by which educators determine the level of students' learning. There are both formal and informal assessments that guide the instructional cycle. Professional educators are skilled at using assessments to inform their instruction and lead all students toward higher achievement.
Significance
In education, assessment is the process of measuring and documenting, students level of knowledge, skills, attitudes and beliefs. Assessments allow educators to know in concrete terms how effective their teaching has been. It is the evidence that learning has occurred.
Types
Assessments can be either formative or summative. Formative assessments are feedback that the educator gives to the student during the learning process. Written feedback to an essay or test results for a midterm exam are summative. They summarize the progress over a longer period.
Effects
Assessments can have a motivational effect on student achievement. Students who receive either praise and encouragement or correction are more motivated to improve their performance. Teachers who use assessment tools are more effective in reaching those students who are struggling.
Benefits
By using a variety of assessment tools, teachers can help all students succeed. They can avoid conflicts with students and parents over the fairness of grades if they have a documented record of prior assessments in the students' portfolio to refer to during conferences.
Time Frame
Pre-tests gauge students' level of prior knowledge of a subject. Verbal questioning during the presentation of the material measures their comprehension. Written responses to their classwork guide them deeper into the material. A summative project or exam gives a chance to show mastery of the subject.
Tags: assessment tools, students level