Self-Assessment

Self assessment is the process of involving students in thinking about their own learning. It requires them to figure out how they are doing and to make decisions about what they need to work on next. It also requires them to identify who and when to ask for help. As adults, we frequently engage in self assessment. In our homes and workplaces we constantly assess our current state, set goals, work to achieve them, evaluate the results and plan for next steps. This can be as simple as your front yard garden (although some of the gardens in our community are masterpieces), or as complex as a major project at work or home.

Self assessment is an essential component of the learning process. However, in order for it to be effective, it must comprise the same elements as listed above for adults. Students need to have a desired goal, evidence about their present position, and understanding how to close the gap. In other words, students need to have a clear picture of where they are going and what they need to achieve. They need to be able to gather information about how well they are doing, and to make choices about what to focus on next in their learning. Accurate self assessment encourages students to set higher goals and to work harder. When students are involved in assessing their learning in this way, mistakes become information and feedback to use in order to adjust their path to the desired goal. When students only depend on others to identify mistakes, they are more likely to rely on others to redirect them also.

At CVPS, we continue to teach students to self assess, and are exploring ways to provide them with a range of opportunities to practice these skills. This happens on a daily basis at school. Our students are always preparing, because they are learning that they are most responsible for their learning. We are focusing on sharing learning expectations with them, helping them to set goals, and assessing their progress along the way. When students become adept at monitoring and assessing their performance and thinking, they develop greater responsibility as learners. Parents can support their children by prompting them to talk about what and how they learn, and what they need to do next.