The Competing Interests of Assessment: An Australian Overview

Abstract

The basic goals of assessment are to provide guidance and feedback to the learner. However, universities and schools have a number of other assessment goals which may at times compete and conflict with each other. From one point of view, assessment is used to help guide and transform students. From another view, assessment exists to ensure that minimum standards of entry to a profession are maintained. The growing tension between vocational and liberal education may be polarising teachers, but it is important to understand that each philosophy has value. Teachers can nurture in learners, both the liberal qualities such as knowledge-play and lifelong learning skills, and also guide the development of vocational, marketable skills. It is possible to set assessment activities which inspire and motivate students, promote self-knowledge and creativity, while at the same time build technical skills.