Assessment is often confused with similar terms. Assessment is not:
- Testing. Testing describes only one step in the assessment process, namely gathering and analyzing evidence of achievement of student learning outcomes.
- Evaluation. Evaluation uses assessment information to make informed judgment. Evaluation describes step three and four in the assessment cycle (interpreting evidence and using the results).
- Grading. Grades alone are insufficient evidence of student learning. Grades and assessment criteria may differ and grading standards may be vague or inconsistent.
- Research. Traditional research is conducted to test theories, while assessment is conducted to inform practice.
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