What best describes the purpose of evaluation?

The purpose of evaluation fundamentally revolves around determining whether a student has achieved the defined learning objectives set forth in a course or instructional program. This process involves assessing students’ understanding, skills, and knowledge as they relate to specific goals. Evaluation serves as a critical tool for instructors to gauge the effectiveness of their teaching strategies and materials, providing insights into areas where students may need further support or enrichment.

By focusing on learning objectives, evaluations provide both formative and summative insights into student progress, helping educators adjust instruction as needed to enhance learning outcomes. It emphasizes ongoing improvement and accountability in the educational process, aligning closely with the goals of effective teaching and learning.

In contrast, tracking student attendance is more administrative in nature and does not directly reflect students’ mastery of content or skills. The motivations to impress parents or stakeholders or to create standardized tests pertain to different aspects of education and do not encapsulate the core intent of evaluation. These elements may play a role in the broader educational environment but are not fundamentally tied to evaluating student learning and achievement.