In classrooms where assessment for learning is practiced, students are encouraged to be more active in their learning and associated assessment. The ultimate purpose of assessment for learning is to create self-regulated learners who can leave school able and confident to continue learning throughout their lives. Teachers need to know at the outset of a unit of study where their students are in terms of their learning and then continually check on how they are progressing through strengthening the feedback they get from their learners. Students are guided on what they are expected to learn and what quality work looks like. The teacher will work with the student to understand and identify any gaps or misconceptions (initial/diagnostic assessment). As the unit progresses, the teacher and student work together to assess the student’s knowledge, what she or he needs to learn to improve and extend this knowledge, and how the student can best get to that point (formative assessment). Assessment for learning occurs at all stages of the learning process.
Assessment for learning
Comprises two phases—initial or diagnostic assessment and formative assessment
Diagnostic Assessment- This set of diagnostic assessment materials for literacy, language and numeracy (Entry 1 to Level 2) was a national development in 2002. Included are materials for assessing learners on the pre-entry curriculum framework (Milestones 4-8) and materials for assessing the need for support for dyslexia. Diagnostic assessment helps to identify specific learning strengths and needs, and usually follows an initial assessment at the beginning of a learning programmer, where there is an indication of the need for further, more detailed assessment. It is related to specific skills needed for tasks. The diagnostic information can be included in the learner's ILP. It is recommended that diagnostic assessment is conducted by specialist teachers of literacy, language or numeracy.