Assessment as learning: introduction

What is assessment as learning?

Assessment as learning is about reflecting on evidence of learning. This is part of the cycle of assessment where pupils and staff set learning goals, share learning intentions and success criteria, and evaluate their learning through dialogue and self and peer assessment.

Through this learners become more aware of:

• what they learn
• how they learn
• what helps them learn.

Learners are able to build knowledge of themselves as learners, and become metacognitive. In other words, they become aware of how they learn.

It also helps them to take more responsibility for their learning and participate more in the process of learning. 

These ideas can be found within the three key features on the assessment as learning side of the AifL triangle.