Assessment for Learning Ep2: Assessment of Learning vs. Assessment for Learning

Summary

In this video, Aaron Marvel explores the key differences between assessment for learning (AFL) and assessment of learning (AOL). He defines AOL as a method to evaluate and communicate students' final learning outcomes, typically through grades, while AFL focuses on gathering feedback throughout the learning process to guide improvement. The video highlights the limitations of AOL in providing actionable feedback and motivation and emphasizes the advantages of AFL, including fostering intrinsic motivation, goal-setting, and ongoing student reflection. Examples of AFL techniques such as rubrics, self-reflection, and descriptive feedback are provided to illustrate how they enhance learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Assessment of learning involves gathering and evaluating information to assign a final value, like grades or report cards, to communicateKey Takeaways Summary student achievement.
• 📊 Assessment for learning focuses on providing ongoing, descriptive feedback to guide students' learning processes, rather than assigning final grades.
• 📝 Examples of assessment of learning include report cards, GPA, and test scores, which summarize a student's performance at the end of a learning period.
• 🔍 Assessment for learning helps identify specific learning gaps and provides targeted feedback to help students improve and succeed.
• 📈 Research shows that assessment for learning can have a five times greater effect on student outcomes compared to simply reducing class sizes.
• 🎯 Assessment for learning encourages students to take ownership of their learning, set personal goals, and reflect on their progress.
• 📚 Using rubrics, self-reflection, and descriptive feedback are effective methods of assessment for learning that help students understand learning targets and areas for improvement.
• 💡 Assessment of learning is essential for verifying mastery of the curriculum and making placement decisions, but it is less effective for providing detailed feedback on learning gaps.
• 🏫 A teacher who uses assessment for learning gives students opportunities to reflect on their knowledgeKey takeaways from script, set learning goals, and engage in peer feedback, leading to a more effective learning process.
• 👩‍🏫 Assessment for learning fosters intrinsic motivation by allowing students to see their progress and understand how to achieve their learning goals, creating a growth mindset.

Q & A

What is the main difference between assessment for learning and assessment of learning?

Assessment for learning focuses on gathering ongoing, descriptive feedback to guide students through their learning process. It does not typically result in a grade or final outcome. In contrast, assessment of learning evaluates student performance at the end of a learning period, usually converting the information into a grade or score to communicate how well the student has mastered the material.

Why is assessment of learning essential in education?

Assessment of learning is crucial because it helps verify curriculum mastery, confirms what students know, and provides necessary information for making placement decisions, such as in hiring scenarios. It serves as a way to evaluate the student's final understanding and communicate their progress to others.

What are some limitations of using assessment of learning for student feedback?

Assessment of learning does not provide specific feedback on where a student has gaps in their understanding. It also tends to focus on grades or scores, which may not motivate students or help them understand the steps they need to take for improvement. Additionally, it doesn't offer a chance for students to reflect on their learning or improve through continuous feedback.

What types of assessments are included under assessment for learning?

Examples of assessment for learning include rubrics, self-reflection activities, and descriptive feedback. These types of assessments focus on providing detailed and ongoing feedback to students about their progress toward meeting specific learning targets.

How does assessment for learning contribute to student motivation?

Assessment for learning fosters intrinsic motivation by allowing students to take ownership of their learning. It encourages them to set and achieve personal goals, track their progress, and see how their efforts lead to success. This ongoing engagement and reflection build a sense of accomplishment and responsibility.

How does assessment for learning compare to smaller class sizes in terms of impact on student performance?

Research shows that implementing assessment for learning techniques can yield five times higher results than simply reducing class size. This demonstrates that the quality of the learning process, driven by continuous feedback and reflection, has a more significant impact than class size alone.

What role does self-reflection play in assessment for learning?

Self-reflection plays a critical role in assessment for learning by encouraging students to assess their own understanding, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for their learning. This process helps students become more aware of their progress and take active steps to improve.

What are the key benefits of descriptive feedback in assessment for learning?

Descriptive feedback helps students understand where they stand in relation to specific learning targets, what areas need improvement, and what strategies they can use to improve. It is a powerful tool for guiding students through their learning process, offering actionable insights for growth.

What is the impact of assessment for learning on students' ability to reflect on their learning?

Assessment for learning encourages continuous reflection on what students have learned, what they still need to learn, and how to bridge any gaps. This ongoing reflection promotes a deeper understanding of the material, and empowers students to adjust their learning strategies for better results.

Can you provide a comparison between the teaching approaches of Rick and Wendy as described in the script?

Rick's approach focuses on teaching content, followed by an exam with limited reflection or feedback on the learning process. He does not provide students with opportunities to evaluate their progress or set goals. In contrast, Wendy's teacher employs assessment for learning strategies by setting clear learning targets, encouraging reflection, goal setting, and providing continuous feedback. Wendy is able to track her progress throughout the unit, which leads to a better understanding of the material and a more meaningful learning experience.