Assessment for learning: improving teaching and learning in classroom

Abstract

The practice of meritocracy in the Malaysian system of education is illustrated by the way where high academic excellence is the main criteria for selection of students entering universities. What are the roles of school teachers in the assessment processes in order to help students to accomplish the required level of academic achievement? School assessment usually have two major purposes, i.e., to provide and report grades on student’s learning status, known as assessment of learning and to promote student’s learning, also known as assessment for learning. Assessment for learning occurs when teachers use inferences on students’ progress to inform them of their teaching. This concept paper will discuss on how assessment for learning can improve teaching and the learning processes in the classroom. Improving teaching and learning through assessment depends on the provision of effective feedback to pupils, active involvement of pupils in their own learning, adjustment of teaching to take account on assessment results and the influence of assessment on pupil’s motivation and self- esteem. Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning and good assessment practice is a key feature of effective teaching and learning in schools