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What Are the Different Types of Assessment Strategies?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

There are many different types of assessment strategies that can be used in a classroom or business environment to evaluate how well new information has been learned or assimilated. One of the most common strategies involves the use of pre-testing and post-testing to determine what information may have been learned based on comparisons between the two tests. Ongoing review and assessment can also be used to determine where strengths and weaknesses for students may lie as lessons are planned and presented. Different strategies can also utilize different types of tests implemented by an instructor, including multiple choice and short answer test questions. This is no different from national standardized tests, where both the learner and the teacher's strengths and weaknesses are somehow judged. It might seem like a regular assessment, but there's more to it than meets the eye.

Assessment strategies refer to ways in which an instructor, such as a classroom teacher or trainer at a business, can evaluate how well students are learning materials presented to them. Many different types of assessment strategies have been developed and used by various educators, and most teachers find methods of assessment that work best for them. In classrooms, however, many teachers are somewhat limited in what strategies they can use, often based on standards and requirements set by local school districts.

Oral and written testing in a classroom is a type of assessment strategy.
Oral and written testing in a classroom is a type of assessment strategy.

One of the most popular strategies consists of the use of pre-testing and post-testing to evaluate improvements in student performance or understanding. Prior to any lessons in a particular subject area, students are given a test regarding the information they are going to be presented with. Once the lessons have been taught and the material should have been learned by students, then they are given the same test or a test with similar questions. The instructor can then compare the tests to evaluate increases in scores based on new understanding by students.

Some assessment strategies can utilize multiple choice tests.
Some assessment strategies can utilize multiple choice tests.

Effective assessment strategies can also utilize ongoing assessment of students. This means that as lessons are being presented, students are quizzed and tested to evaluate how well they are learning in real time. Such assessment allows teachers to make alterations to lessons and focus on areas that numerous students may be having trouble learning.

The types of tests and quizzes used in various assessments can also have an impact on such strategies. A teacher who uses multiple choice tests, for example, might find it difficult to evaluate how well students understand complex concepts. An instructor will also not be able to gauge their students accurately if they use a multiple choice test for trigonometry or algebra exams, because the takers can simply take a guess and not try to recall formulas or even try solving the problems and equations presented to them. Short answer tests can often be used to better evaluate such understanding, but may require more time or have a more limited scope than multiple choice tests. Kids who are just learning to speak or write in English, for example, are not expected to get the same scores as native speakers. These considerations contribute to the accuracy of the assessment results. Effective assessment strategies often combine different types of testing to evaluate both the depth and breadth of student learning. These assessment strategies also help students as they prepare for their American College Testing Test. It's one of the indirect ways that students get to experience something close to the real deal.

Some standardized assessments are computer based.
Some standardized assessments are computer based.

To conclude, assessment strategies are an important part of any organization and when properly utilized can help to improve performance and overall success. When deciding on the best assessment strategy for any organization, it is important to consider what type of data needs to be collected and how best to measure it. Additionally, understanding what is a NetSuite administrator and their role in the assessment process will help to ensure that the assessments are conducted properly and the results are accurate.

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    • Oral and written testing in a classroom is a type of assessment strategy.
      By: Woodapple
      Oral and written testing in a classroom is a type of assessment strategy.
    • Some assessment strategies can utilize multiple choice tests.
      By: bradcalkins
      Some assessment strategies can utilize multiple choice tests.
    • Some standardized assessments are computer based.
      By: yanlev
      Some standardized assessments are computer based.
    • Pre-testing is a common assessment strategy.
      By: paylessimages
      Pre-testing is a common assessment strategy.
    • Some teacher assessments focus on how effectively students participate in class.
      By: Prod. Numérik
      Some teacher assessments focus on how effectively students participate in class.