What is Assessment?

A formal definition of assessment is the act of assessing; appraisal; evaluation ("assessment." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 10 Sep. 2008. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/assessment). Assessment, however, is so much more than just an evaluation. An assessment involves developing a goal or purpose and then evaluating and observing how this is, or isn't, being accomplished. In the classroom, as a teacher, assessment should be done using different mediums. Tests, essays, papers, and projects are the typical methods teachers use to assess their students, however, discussions, debates, and oral presentations can be other methods teachers can use to assess the knowledge a student may, or may not, possess.

I believe that assessment is necessary within a classroom because it allows a teacher the opportunity to understand the needs of different students, differentiate how students learn, establish a better curriculum based on the students needs, and know what methods of teaching are effective, or are not effective. I think that assessment can be effective, fun, and helpful if approached with a positive attitude. Tests, especially standardized tests, are not disappearing anytime soon so instead of approaching tests with a negative attitude (which will be perceived and adopted by your students), make tests something that is more enjoyable and fulfills the learning needs of your students. This makes assessment become more about the knowledge a student is attaining, or misunderstanding, than about a student memorizing facts and concepts just to pass.

Overall, assessment is necessary to help students progress.

Here's a link to a website that has various articles describing other alternative methods to assessment: http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/assess/front_assess.htm