Diagnostic Assessment
Diagnostic assessment generally occurs at the beginning of a learning cycle. This type of assessment gives the teacher an understanding of the prior knowledge and skills a student brings with them, as well as the strengths and specific learning needs they may have in relation to the expectations that will be taught.
The data gathered can assist teachers to plan targeted learning to more effectively scaffold the learning needs of their students. More specifically diagnostic assessment can be viewed as a kind of formative assessment, and is used to determine the nature of student learning problems or needs to then be able to provide the appropriate feedback or intervention improving learning outcomes for all students. (CQUniversity, 2013).
The data gathered can assist teachers to plan targeted learning to more effectively scaffold the learning needs of their students. More specifically diagnostic assessment can be viewed as a kind of formative assessment, and is used to determine the nature of student learning problems or needs to then be able to provide the appropriate feedback or intervention improving learning outcomes for all students. (CQUniversity, 2013).
What does Diagnostic Assessment look like in the Early Years Classroom?
Diagnostic assessment is designed to identify areas of weakness and strength. Diagnostic assessment may include: checklists, running records, continua and formal assessment tools.
Child Profiles and Learning Portfolios often provide the necessary information about the learner for making a diagnostic assessment. |