Assessments

Assessment is gathering, interpreting and using information to aid teacher decision making regarding student learning progess.
The components of assessment are:
1. Purpose - Why am I doing this assessment?
2. Measurement - What techniques should I use to gather information?
3. Evaluation - How I will interpret the results?
4. Use - How i will use the results?
I have learned that a numerical grade is not a good tool when used alone. Other forms of assessment that encourage creativity and risk-taking are integral parts of a well-rounded assessment method.
Prior knowledge can be both valuable for and destructive of the learning process. It is important that teachers have a pre-assessment to determine the starting level and to locate conceptual holes.
Assessment should not be used as a tool for punishment but rather used as a tool of assistance and positive reinforcement.