DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT

Diagnostic assessment is a type of assessment which examines what a student knows and can do to a learning program. It is an ongoing process aimed at improving performance more than evaluation. Improving performance from assessment and through planned activities determined from the assessment data.  

Diagnostic assessment also provides a deeper level of understanding than a surface level of observations. It provides better understanding into how an individual thinks and uses language while engaged in interpreting. Conducting diagnostic assessments is a common tool for mentors and teachers who work to assist students in advancing their skills set.

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The Purpose of Diagnostic Assessment

• Diagnostic assessment is often undertaken at the beginning of a study to assess the skills, abilities, interests, experiences, levels of achievement or difficulties of an individual student or a whole class.
• This assessment informs planning and programming, teaching and learning methods used as well as assessment choices. 
• The result can be used to guide skill development by examining the impact of various patterns on the overall quality and accuracy of the interpretation and determining priorities accordingly.

Examples of Diagnostic Assessment

• Test

• Performance task

• Mind Map

Reflection and Opinion on Diagnostic Assessment

In my opinion, diagnostic assessment can be used to diagnose strengths and areas of need in all students. It is used to develop a curriculum program that builds on students knowledge and skills. Also, it is used to help students monitor their own learning progress during the semester.

Diagnostic assessment is used to match the students learning needs, and assist teachers how to gain knowledge to improve the learning outcomes.

Suggestions to improve Diagnostic Assessment

1. Self-evaluations : Student reflects about his/her own achievement and need motivation to achieve goals.
2. Diagnostic inventories : students responses to a series of questions in any subject in writing, these responses may indicate an ability or interest in a particular field.
3. Checklist : Identification and recording of students' achievement through rubric levels.

Reference :

http://www.det.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/297182/Teachers_Guide_to_Assessment_Web.pdf

http://www.interpretereducation.org/teaching/diagnostic-assessment/

http://sydney.edu.au/education_social_work/groupwork/docs/TypesOfAssessment.pdf