This document lists common reasons that are often given for why assessments of students are conducted. Key reasons include to measure how much students have learned, compare student achievement against standards, provide feedback to help students improve, and ensure courses meet quality standards for external recognition. Assessments also help identify learning needs, monitor teaching quality, and motivate students to learn course material.

1. Reasons people often give when asked “Why do we assess?”
1. To find out how much students have learnt
2. So we can compare students
3. So we can measure students’ achievement
4. In order to assign marks towards students’ final degree
5. So that students can have something to take away with them at the
end
6. To ensure that students have achieved certain standards and core
knowledge
7. To ensure that the course is recognised by external
organisations/professional bodies etc.
8. To maintain quality and standards
9. Because we have to
10.As a way of monitoring our teaching
11.So we can identify areas where students need further guidance/support
12.So we can give students feedback and help them improve
13.To help students to monitor their progress
14.To encourage students to learn
15.As a way of indicating what’s important on a course/module
Summative Formative
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