How Am I Doing?

Educational testing has taken quite a hit over the past decade and a half.  Regardless of the reasons for this negative phenomenon (i.e., political influence in the standardized testing process), people who are in a learning situation want to know how they are doing. As such, making judgments about a performance is not easy.  Let’s face it, I’m sure most of us have received an inaccurate judgment based on a previous performance.  In addition, we all have previous educational experiences and corresponding opinions based on these experiences. Such opinions are worthy of discussion, but first, let’s get our definitions straight.  According to Payne (2003):

• Measurement: The means to provide data for assessment.  It involves the collection of information.
• Testing: A specific type of measurement (the method for gathering data).
• Evaluation: Judgments and decisions which are made based on the testing data.
• Assessment: The systematic appraisal of one’s ability or performance.

Assessment subsumes measurement and evaluation.  Here is an example:

• Testing: A student scored 35 out of 100 on a music theory test.
• Evaluation: The student failed the exam.
• Assessment: The student must retake the theory course

So…

• Testing provided the measurement (35/100)
• Evaluation involved a judgment (The student failed)
• Assessment involved an appraisal (The student must retake the course)

Payne, David A. (2003). Applied Educational Assessment (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. ISBN 0-534-60282-7.