Analytical Comparison Between Assessment and Evaluation
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From since the inception of my teaching career, it has become quite apparent to me that within the academic community, the terms 'assessment' and 'evaluation' are considered to be synonymous with each other and quite often used interchangeably. Nevertheless, by examining the definitions as stated above, of these two terms, this essay will attempt to explore the relationship and establish differentiations between these two concepts insofar as they are used in the education arena.
Upon reading the definitions, immediately, the first distinction which jumps straight out at us from the very face of the words is the primary focus of both processes. Assessment is acutely directed towards student learning and development. According to Santhanam 2002, this process is a "systematic basis for making inferences about the learning and development of students". From looking at this definition, we realize that assessment involves several techniques used to draw information from students about themselves; information from which inferences can be made regarding their learning and academic development - inferences which points back to them. It is as stated in this quote - "Assessment is typically used to examine the student learning that results from academic program" (Madison 2002). In contrast to evaluation, assessment is student focused.
In the definition of evaluation as stated, the term 'innovation', within the confines of education, would refer to any academic/education program. From examining the definition of evaluation as put forward, it strongly suggests that unlike assessment, evaluation focuses not on students learning but at the general education program and the instructions given therein...