Topic > Explain the function of assessment in learning and development

Assessment is the process by which a participant in education is assessed to have developed their knowledge, understanding and skills. This process helps make a specific educational decision about a participant's level of progress during the learning period. Initial assessment: Initial assessment takes place upon admission to the course. Initial assessment is the process that identifies student needs and can determine various milestones for progress. Initial assessment is necessary to develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for a student. The initial assessment allows the evaluator to establish a baseline for the student and gain access to the student's necessary information that helps the evaluator identify the student's strength, weakness, and preferred learning style. Initial assessment is the platform from which an assessor begins to develop a revision plan to evaluate the student's progress. The initial assessment also allows the student to inform others about himself, to show his ability to make choices and express preferences regarding the learning outcome, and to recognize learning objectives. With a thorough initial assessment, the learning program meets the needs of the individual and an initial assessment highlights areas of concern or inadequacy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Formative Assessment: Formative assessment is a series of procedures that occur during the learning process to enable modification of teaching and learning activities in order to improve the learning process as required. The uses of formative assessment are to provide feedback to evaluators to modify future learning activities, to identify and remedy individual deficiencies, to improve student awareness of the “learning process”. Formative assessment for learning is assessment that occurs throughout the entire course or program of study and is usually carried out by assessors during teaching and training. It provides feedback to both the student and the assessor on how things are going and how learning can be improved. Summative assessment: Summative assessment is an assessment of learning and is used to determine what has been learned or achieved in terms of skills, knowledge and understanding acquired at or near the end of a program of study. Summative assessment evaluates a student's development at a specific point at the end of the learning process and provides a summary of their current level if necessary, allowing them to be assessed accordingly. This can be conducted, for example, through various exam modes: multiple choice, written test, thesis, presentation or portfolio. Evaluation functions in learning and development are the measurements and records of outcomes. These identify that the assessment reflects the required standards and performance/evaluation criteria and is fit for purpose and contributes to quality assurance and the development of best practice. Both formative and summative assessments play a significant role in the learning experience as they determine progression and allow students to demonstrate that they have achieved the desired learning outcomes.