What is the role of assessment in teaching?

The role of assessment in teaching is primarily to evaluate student understanding and progress, which in turn informs instruction. Continuous assessment allows educators to gauge how well students grasp the material, identify areas where they may struggle, and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. This process enables teachers to tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students, ultimately fostering a more effective learning environment.

By assessing student knowledge regularly, teachers can implement timely interventions, provide additional support where needed, and reinforce concepts that students find challenging. This dynamic feedback loop between assessment and instruction is essential for promoting student growth and ensuring that all learners achieve their potential.

While assigning grades, focusing on standardized test scores, or creating additional work might play a role in the educational process, they do not capture the broader and more formative purpose of assessment, which is fundamentally about enhancing learning and guiding instructional practices.