Foundation Skills/Role, jargon and principles of assessment/What is assessment and why do we need it?

An assessment is a method of collecting evidence to establish the level of performance of a learner. Some teachers believe that assessment drives students' learning. A wise academic once said that higher education institutions "live or die by their assessment practices", and despite a huge amount of research, assessment is still a hotly-debated subject. Are we getting it right for our students?
 * What is assessment?:

Please check out: four different definitions of assessment on the University of Connecticut website. After considering these definitions, how do you define assessment?
 * Create your definition of assessment:

Choose as many items as you like, and make notes to justify your choices.
 * What is the purpose of assessment in your teaching area?:

Assessment:
 * enables selection and placement of students
 * motivates students
 * provides a focus for student learning
 * consolidates and structures student learning
 * guides and corrects student learning
 * determines readiness to proceed (diagnostic)
 * is used for certification or for grade achievement (ensuring standards)
 * evaluates teaching
 * Secures funding
 * Measures how and what students learn
 * Develops new and varied educational experiences for students to develop their talents and abilities
 * Determines whether students master the skills and knowledge and develop behaviours that courses and programs promise
 * Determines whether changes and interventions actually enhance student achievement and success.

Reference

 * Spiller, D. (2009). Principles of Assessment. Teaching Hamilton, NZ: Development Unit, University of Waikato. http://www.waikato.ac.nz/tdu/pdf/booklets/16_AssessmentPrinciples.pdf