Definition of assessment as learning from different scholars. Compare and contrast

Answer 1

Assessment as learning is a concept that focuses on using assessment as a tool for student learning, rather than just measuring student achievement. It is part of a broader approach called assessment for learning, which emphasizes the importance of feedback and reflection in the learning process.

One definition of assessment as learning comes from the work of Rick Stiggins, a prominent scholar in the field of educational assessment. Stiggins defines assessment as learning as "the process of seeking and interpreting evidence for use by learners and their teachers to decide where the learners are in their learning, where they need to go, and how best to get there." This definition emphasizes the role of assessment in guiding and supporting student learning.

Another influential scholar in the field, Dylan Wiliam, defines assessment as learning as "any assessment activity that enables the student to consolidate their understanding of what they are learning." Wiliam highlights the idea that assessment should be an integral part of the learning process, helping students to deepen their understanding of the material.

One key difference between these definitions is the emphasis they place on the role of the teacher in assessment as learning. Stiggins' definition focuses on the collaborative nature of assessment, suggesting that both students and teachers are active participants in the process. Wiliam's definition, on the other hand, seems to emphasize the individual student's role in using assessment to enhance their own learning.

Despite these differences, both definitions share a common emphasis on the importance of feedback and reflection in the learning process. They both suggest that assessment should be used as a tool to help students understand where they are in their learning, where they need to go next, and how best to get there. This focus on using assessment to support and guide student learning sets assessment as learning apart from more traditional approaches to assessment, which tend to emphasize measurement and accountability.