Assessment vs Evaluation: Which is Which?

Assessment and evaluation are two terms that are oftentimes used interchangeably. One is often used to mean the other. There are different in many ways though both of them require sets of criteria, they are used to measure, and they are both evidence-driven. Here are their differences in a nutshell:

Assessment is a process of collecting, reviewing, and using data, for the purpose of improving learners' current performance. Teachers assess the learners' readiness to learn, preferred learning styles, past experiences with content, and barriers to learning. Assessment sources may be subjective or objective, structured or informal. We assess when we wish to determine educational strategies.

Evaluation is an act of passing judgement on the basis of set standards. It determines the extent to which objectives are achieved. It measures mastery of content and effectiveness of teaching strategies. Students must know in advance when to expect evaluation and what criteria will be evaluated. We use evaluation when we want to understand our learners' performance.

Classifications of Assessment Methods

1. Selected Response. This is an assessment method where students select a response among choices or alternatives. Examples under this method are multiple choice, binary choice, and matching type.

2. Constructed Response. This is an assessment method where students create and supply their own response to a test item. Examples are essay, project, portfolio, journal, poem, recital, enactment, and dance.

3. Teacher Observation. This method is done formally or informally through direct observation by the teacher.

4. Student Self-Assessment. This happens when learners assess their own performance and they are provided opportunity to make judgments about their learning process and performance.