1 Assessment vs. Evaluation
Jessica Kahlow
Assessments
Assessments in education encompass the process of gathering information about student learning to measure what students know, understand, and can do. These assessments can be formative, providing ongoing feedback to improve learning, or summative, evaluating student learning at the end of a unit or course. As an educator, I’ve moved away from relying solely on quizzes for assessment. While quizzes offer quick snapshots of student understanding, I’ve found that projects and other creative assessments allow students to apply their knowledge in more meaningful and diverse ways, fostering deeper learning experiences.
Evaluations
In contrast to assessments, evaluations involve making judgments or interpretations based on data collected. They extend beyond measuring individual student performance to assess the effectiveness of entire courses, programs, policies, or interventions. At the end of each semester, I encourage students to complete course evaluations. These anonymous surveys provide valuable feedback that is read by various stakeholders to evaluate teaching effectiveness and course impact. Students need to understand that their honest yet professional feedback contributes to ongoing improvements in educational quality.
Differences Between Assessments and Evaluations
Program evaluations are crucial for ensuring that educational programs achieve their intended goals. For example, they help assess the impact of new curricula. Teacher evaluations focus on evaluating the effectiveness of teaching methods, while institutional assessments measure overall school performance. Assessments primarily focus on student learning and understanding, providing the foundational data needed for evaluations. Evaluations, in turn, use this data to make informed judgments about program effectiveness and outcomes, encompassing a broader scope beyond individual student performance.
Assessments and evaluations are indispensable tools in education, each serving unique yet complementary purposes. By understanding their distinctions and leveraging their strengths, educators can create a more effective and engaging learning environment that supports student growth and achievement. Through thoughtful assessment practices and robust evaluation frameworks, we can continuously enhance educational quality and meet the evolving needs of learners.
