Welcome to Assessment Glossary
This assessment glossary defines a collection of terms relating to assessment. Use the menu on the right-hand side to navigate through the glossary
What is assessment?
Assessment in education is the process of gathering, interpreting, and sometimes recording and using information about students' responses to an educational task in order to provide the next learning step. Assessment is primarily concerned with providing teachers and/or students with feedback information (Harlen, Gipps, Broadfoot Nutthal, 1994).
Research evidence shows strong connections between teachers providing clear goals for learning and giving feedback linked to criteria with student motivation and improvement.
Student achievement is raised when teachers have high, attainable expectations focused on learning. The commitment generated through setting goals and developing criteria, in collaboration with students, is the glue that holds teaching and learning teams together (Curriculum Update, Issue 47, August 2001).