Which term best describes the method of determining student understanding based on specific skills?

Which term best describes the method of determining student understanding based on specific skills?

• A. Diagnostic assessment
• B. Norm-referenced assessment
• C. Summative assessment
• D. Formative assessment

Answer: (A)

The term that best describes the method of determining student understanding based on specific skills is diagnostic assessment. This type of assessment is designed to identify students’ current knowledge, skills, and abilities, allowing educators to tailor their instruction to better meet individualized needs. It helps in pinpointing specific areas where students may struggle or excel, facilitating targeted interventions or enrichment as necessary. This method contrasts with other types of assessments. Norm-referenced assessment compares a student’s performance to a larger group’s performance, helping to gauge where they stand relative to their peers but not focusing specifically on skill mastery. Summative assessment measures what students have learned at the end of an instructional period, providing a summary of their understanding but not diagnosing skill proficiency. Formative assessment is ongoing and occurs during the learning process, aimed at monitoring student learning to enhance teaching strategies and improve learning outcomes, yet it does not typically provide a comprehensive overview of specific skill understanding as diagnostic assessments do.

The term that best describes the method of determining student understanding based on specific skills is diagnostic assessment. This type of assessment is designed to identify students’ current knowledge, skills, and abilities, allowing educators to tailor their instruction to better meet individualized needs. It helps in pinpointing specific areas where students may struggle or excel, facilitating targeted interventions or enrichment as necessary.

This method contrasts with other types of assessments. Norm-referenced assessment compares a student’s performance to a larger group’s performance, helping to gauge where they stand relative to their peers but not focusing specifically on skill mastery. Summative assessment measures what students have learned at the end of an instructional period, providing a summary of their understanding but not diagnosing skill proficiency. Formative assessment is ongoing and occurs during the learning process, aimed at monitoring student learning to enhance teaching strategies and improve learning outcomes, yet it does not typically provide a comprehensive overview of specific skill understanding as diagnostic assessments do.