Differences Between Assessments and Evaluations

Assessments and evaluations are everyday terms in education as well as in other areas of life. However, there is often confusion in people's minds as to the differences between them. There are some overlaps, but there also are fundamental and important variations. Assessments and evaluations tend to happen at different stages and have a different purpose.
  1. Content

    • Many different types of assessments may be carried out. Some will be tests, though all assessments are not in the form of tests. Assessments are sometimes called formative, whereas evaluations are summative. The assessments can be seen as taking a piecemeal approach to a person's progress, looking at several areas. The evaluation will look at all areas of progress together to get an overall picture, making a summary of where the person is at now.

    Orientation

    • Assessment tends to be an interactive process, involving the student as well as the teacher. The student should be able to see how she is progressing. The assessment often revolves around goals or objectives. The student can go away from the assessment knowing how she has progressed up to that point and where she needs to go from there. An evaluation tends to be carried out at the end of a particular stage or period of time.

    Findings

    • The results of an assessment are often measured in a structured way, perhaps against a mark scheme or a checklist. The assessment is like a measurement, is goal-orientated and sets new aims. An evaluation involves a value judgment, looking at several assessments and aspects of a student's career. The evaluation should summarize strengths and weaknesses, giving a rounded picture of the individual.

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