What's the difference between assessment for learning and assessment of learning?

Assessments are much more than just an end-of-year test! 

⭐ When used well, assessments help all students achieve their highest potential.  

Assessments aren’t just for students.

💡 They let teachers learn about the needs of their students.  

Intrigued?

👉 Find out how you can use assessment for and assessment of learning to achieve success in the classroom!

Assessments for and of learning are used for different purposes and at different times.

Assessment for learning

📆 Happens during learning and teaching.

👍 Used to help students improve and understand their learning journey.

💡 Similar to formative assessments.

Assessment of learning

📆 Happens at the end of a topic or term.

👍 Used to rank learners in terms of their ability.

💡 Similar to summative assessments.

How do assessments help students and teachers improve?

Assessment for learning

Students

• Improves motivation as they understand and can control their performance.

• Improves achievement as they're guided through a topic.

Teachers

• Understand students' progress on a topic before an end of term exam.

• Adapt and develop teaching style to benefit student learning.

Assessment of learning

Students

• Know where they rank compared to other students.

• Gives an idea of the topics they could be successful in college or at work.

Teachers

• Identifies gaps in teaching which can be changed for next year.

• Could be used to secure state funding if class grades are below the national average.

Assessment for learning

✅ Asking questions to the class

✅ Peer assessment and feedback

✅ Student reflection and self assessment

✅ Tests that shape future lessons

Assessment of learning

✅ Standardized or national exams

✅ End of year exams

✅ Final essays

✅ End of topic presentations

💡 Remember, it's the purpose that defines if an assessment if used "for" or "of" learning.

For example...

👉 A test used at the start of the year is an assessment for learning, as it shows students and teachers what they need to do to improve. However, the same test used at the end of term would be an assessment of learning!

Dom is a 6th-grade teacher and wants to find out what math level his students are in.

He wants to use that data to see how he can support his students to get better grades.

He thinks of 4 options:

A

Holding an exam at the end of term.

B

Asking each student to reflect on what they find difficult.

C

Getting his class to complete a short formative assessment.

D

Asking their previous teacher for their grades.

Put into practice what you've learned and start planning your assessments for your students!