ASSESSMENT PRACTICE Meaning and
Definition
-
Assessment practice refers to the specific methods and techniques used to gather, analyze, and evaluate information about an individual's knowledge, skills, competencies, or performance in order to make informed judgments or decisions. It is a systematic and organized process of measuring and documenting an individual's abilities, aptitudes, or achievements, typically in an educational setting but also in various other fields, such as psychology, human resources, or healthcare.
Assessment practices are crucial for providing feedback and identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses, facilitating learning, enhancing performance, and making informed decisions regarding individuals' progress or suitability for a particular task or role. These practices include a broad range of tools and strategies, such as tests, exams, quizzes, interviews, observations, self-assessments, portfolios, and performance tasks. They may measure different dimensions, including knowledge, understanding, application, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and social or emotional development.
Assessment practices involve designing and implementing appropriate assessment methods, ensuring their validity, reliability, and fairness, as well as interpreting and utilizing the collected data effectively. They may be used for formative purposes, supporting ongoing learning and informing instructional decisions, or for summative purposes, providing a summary or evaluation of achievement or performance at a particular point in time.
Ultimately, assessment practice plays a vital role in evaluating and promoting individual development, guiding educational or professional decisions, and achieving desired outcomes.
Etymology of ASSESSMENT PRACTICE
The word "assessment" comes from the Latin word "assessus", which means "to sit beside" or "to set a tax upon". It originated in the 16th century, primarily in the context of taxation and evaluating property for taxation purposes.
The word "practice" has Latin roots as well, derived from the Latin word "practicus" and the Greek word "praktikos", both meaning "practical" or "pertaining to action". It entered English usage in the late 14th century, referring to the act of doing something repeatedly to improve performance or proficiency.
When combined, "assessment practice" refers to the systematic process of evaluating something, typically an individual's skills, abilities, or knowledge, followed by the repeated application of specific activities or exercises to enhance performance in a particular domain.
