They also decide when to collect the evidence and which assessment methods, tools, or techniques are most appropriate. Assessment focusses on the critical or significant aspects of the learning that students will be asked to demonstrate. Students benefit when they clearly understand the learning goals and learning expectations. Student performance is evaluated from the information collected through assessment activities. Teachers use their insight, knowledge about learning, and experience with students, along with the specific criteria they establish, to make judgments about student performance in relation to learning outcomes.
Students benefit when evaluation is provided on a regular, ongoing basis.
When evaluation is seen as an opportunity to promote learning rather than as a final judgment, it shows learners their strengths and suggests how they can develop further. Students can use this information to redirect efforts, make plans, and establish future learning goals. Appendix D includes a more detailed discussion of assessment and evaluation. The Provincial Learning Assessment Program gathers information on students' performance throughout the province. Results from these assessments are used in the development and revision of curricula, and provide information about teaching and learning in British Columbia.