Assessment is a critical part of the educational process. It helps teachers to measure student learning, identify areas where students need additional support, and provide feedback to students and parents. However, traditional assessment practices, such as high-stakes tests, can often be stressful and demotivating for students.
One way to improve the assessment process is to integrate continuous assessment within the curriculum. This means designing assessments that are aligned with the learning objectives of the course and that are embedded within the learning process. By implementing this throughout learning, it can support students to reach their full potential and break any barriers to their learning. The Education Inspection Framework outlines how inspectors will assess how:
“teachers and leaders use assessment well, for example to help learners embed and use knowledge fluently or to check understanding and inform teaching. Leaders understand the limitations of assessment and do not use it in a way that creates unnecessary burdens for staff or learners”
Continuous assessment for students can have a huge impact on their learning and promote personal development. By being able to track assessments involved with a student’s education it can allow them to identify their areas for improvement quickly and efficiently.
The main benefits of assessment in curriculum
There are several benefits to integrating assessment within the curriculum. First, it can help to improve student learning. When students know that they will be assessed on their learning, they are more likely to pay attention and be engaged in the learning process.
Second, integrated assessment can help to reduce stress and anxiety for students. When assessments are embedded within the learning process, students have more opportunities to prepare and receive feedback.
Third, integrated assessment can provide teachers with more information about student learning. When teachers use a variety of assessment methods, they can get a more complete picture of each student’s strengths and weaknesses. This can also help provide evidence-based practice and allow for impact to be tracked effectively.
Use online assessments for students with specific needs
Students with behavioural or mental health challenges may struggle with mainstream schooling and cannot focus intently. However, online learning has the potential to support students with their education and well-being without any fears that mainstream may provide.
Assessments can be embedded through online learning by using quizzes, and homework assignments through one-to-one support. Online assessments can raise a student’s knowledge and help them to understand something they might be particularly struggling with.
Ultimately, an assessment should exceed more than just attaining a certain grade. It should allow confidence to be built throughout learning so that children can fulfil their potential and have better experiences and outcomes.
If you would like to learn more about a platform that specialises in providing continuous assessment through an online alternative provision then visit EDClass. The trust online AP won a ‘highly commended’ award in 2022 for the assessment category in the Teach Secondary 2022 awards.