Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student's performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

13/5/15Throughout the education history, assessment of students has been one main element on teaching. Some educators, parents and government institutions affirm that formal examinations are the only way to effectively assess student`s performance. Contrastingly, others assert that a continual assessment, through course work, homework and projects, is the best way to evaluate students. In this essay I will discuss some topics to advocate this point of view.Comment by Carla Sella: Should I use capital letter in this situation?Firstly, I strongly believe that assessment will not uniquely evaluate students, but also teacher`s methods and performance, as well as the school learning environment. Consequently, assessments should be part of classroom`s daily routine, aiding to diagnose mistakes on the teaching-learning process. In a progressive evaluation, such as through homework and assignments, students and teachers can identify areas for improvement, and use this information to promote necessary changings in teaching strategies and methods. Comment by Carla Sella: Can I use won`t, or will not is more appropriate?In addition to this, I firmly defend that assessments must not evaluate the performance of students in a specific day, but mainly their progress. For instance, some students are making outstanding improvements, but this progress cannot be visible if compared with the results of other students in a standardized test.Finally, I would like to point out that formal examinations will not give the opportunity to evaluate a pupil`s attitudinal skills, such as responsibility, commitment, behaviour and attitude towards colleagues and pairs, which are so important in actual world.