Theories of Assessment

Theories of assessment are ideas about how to measure and understand learning or performance. They include models like formative assessment, which provides ongoing feedback to help improvement; summative assessment, which evaluates overall achievement at the end of a period; and authentic assessment, which involves real-world tasks to demonstrate skills. Each approach has different purposes, such as guiding development, making judgments, or assessing practical application. These theories help educators choose effective methods to ensure assessments are meaningful, fair, and precisely aligned with learning goals.