21st Century Learning and Teaching

Various definitions of assessment and the role it plays in teaching and learning:

Assessment involves the use of empirical data on student learning to refine programs and improve student learning.  (Assessing Academic Programs in Higher Education by Allen 2004)
Assessment is the process of gathering and discussing information from multiple and diverse sources in order to develop a deep understanding of what students know, understand, and can do with their knowledge as a result of their educational experiences; the process culminates when assessment results are used to improve subsequent learning.  (Learner-Centered Assessment on College Campuses: shifting the focus from teaching to learning by Huba and Freed 2000)
Assessment is the systematic basis for making inferences about the learning and development of students.  It is the process of defining, selecting, designing, collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and using information to increase students’ learning and development.  (Assessing Student Learning and Development: A Guide to the Principles, Goals, and Methods of Determining College Outcomes by Erwin 1991)
Assessment is the systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving student learning and development.  (Assessment Essentials: planning, implementing, and improving assessment in higher education by Palomba and Banta 1999)

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- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Assessment+for+Learning