Assessment for Learning MOOC’s Updates
Evaluating PISA
Evaluation is necessary for education because it’s the only way we can make sure the connection between the teachers or the materials and the students. Without it, there’s no way to accurately know the quality of the education or if it’s in any way helping the students. Without evaluation, teaching is like talking to a wall. The most effective way is a continuous assessment of the students, not through standardized tests, but using different forms of assessments that match the characteristics of the students that want to learn. Also, we do it most effectively if we use instruments that have been validated and have reliability.
A form of educational evaluation is the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). It’s done by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and its objective is to evaluate the educational systems of different countries whether they are members of the OECD or not. To do so, they measure the scholastic performance of fifteen-year-olds in reading, science and mathematics. This helps a lot to see the differences in education between countries and to evaluate why some countries regularly get a higher or lower grade, and what can be done to help them.
I completely agree with the importance of educational evaluation as highlighted in this comment. Evaluation is indeed the key to ensuring that the connection between teachers, educational materials, and students is effective. It's the compass that helps us gauge the quality of education and whether it's truly benefiting students.
The mention of continuous assessment instead of relying solely on standardized tests is particularly noteworthy. Tailoring assessments to match the characteristics of individual students can provide a much more comprehensive view of their progress and needs.
The reference to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) by the OECD is also quite relevant. PISA has been instrumental in shedding light on the differences in education between countries, offering insights into what works and what needs improvement. It's a valuable tool for evaluating educational systems on a global scale and identifying areas for enhancement.
In summary, this comment emphasizes the necessity of educational evaluation, adaptable assessments, and the international perspective offered by initiatives like PISA. These elements are crucial in ensuring that education is as effective and inclusive as possible, ultimately benefiting students worldwide.