Assessment Methods with Case Studies

Reflective writing does not involve only summarising what has been learned, but also thinking about one’s own learning process—what worked, what could have been done differently, and how one’s understanding of something has changed.

Why use reflection?
It helps students become aware of their progress and develop the ability for self-assessment.

Strategies:

• post-exam reflection – along with reviewing their answers, students write about what they will change in their approach to learning
  
• learning journals – recording unclear parts and posing questions
  
• shift in perspective – comparing initial and final understanding of a topic
  
• before-and-after checklist – self-assessing knowledge and skills.

Example of use in higher education:

In the course Didactics, students keep a learning journal throughout the semester in which they record their reflections on the effectiveness of teaching approaches they tried during their school practicum. After each activity, they note what was effective, what they would change, and how the pupils responded.
At the end of the semester, students write a final reflection in which they compare their initial and current understanding of teaching and outline concrete steps for their own professional development.