Assessment Objectives

Assessments are an accepted and generally necessary part of any instruction. They offer the learner feedback to check on their progress, they determine if the learner has absorbed the lesson, and they provide metrics for management to determine the value of the instruction and the progress of the learner. The questions asked require close attention in order to provide accurate feedback and analysis.

At the beginning of an instructional design process the designer drafts a list of performance objectives. It is these objectives, and the skills needed to meet them, that reflect the purpose for the instruction, drive the learning content, and guide the designer through the assessment pieces.

Complex skills, new concepts, and information that are absolutely vital to performance go into the assessments. The assessment's purpose may be to test the learner or can act to present the information to the learner in a different way to increase its exposure and retention.

Assessments Types

There are 4 different assessments that are used for different purposes, and include:

1. Entry-skills assessment: tests the learner to determine if the learner has the skills to successfully complete the instruction
2. Pre-test: assesses the learner's skill level prior to entering the instruction
3. Embedded assessment: embedded in the learning and provides feedback to the learner and presents the information again
4. Post-test: assesses the learner's skill level following the instruction and is compared to the pre-test results to determine if the appropriate learning was achieved

The combination and comparison of the pre-test and post-test are used to assess the training's value and learner progress. The difference in scores and time to complete offer an indication of what the learner has learned through the instruction.