Emerging Practices in Assessment – Online and Participatory Assessment
Introduction
Assessment means checking how much a student has learned or understood. In today’s changing education system, new and modern methods of assessment are becoming popular. These are called emerging practices in assessment.
Two important methods are:
Online Assessment
Participatory Assessment
These help in making evaluation more inclusive, continuous, flexible, and student-friendly, especially in India where technology and new policies like NEP 2020 are bringing big changes.
1. Online Assessment
Meaning
Online assessment means evaluating students’ learning through digital tools or internet-based platforms like Google Forms, apps, or learning management systems.
Features
Conducted through computers or smartphones
Can include MCQs, short answers, video-based questions, drag-and-drop, etc.
Can be automatically scored
Accessible anytime, anywhere
Importance
Saves time for teachers and students
Gives quick results
Encourages use of ICT in education
Supports remote and inclusive learning, especially in rural India
Helpful during pandemics or emergencies (e.g., COVID-19)
Examples in India
DIKSHA and SWAYAM platforms offer online quizzes
CBSE conducts sample online assessments
KVS, NIOS, and State Boards have started using online testing systems
Use of Google Classroom, Zoom, and WhatsApp tests in rural and urban schools
2. Participatory Assessment
Meaning
Participatory assessment involves students, teachers, and even parents in the evaluation process. It means learners are actively involved in understanding and improving their own learning.
Features
Learners assess themselves (self-assessment) and each other (peer-assessment)
Focus on feedback rather than only marks
Helps in building confidence, communication, and critical thinking
Part of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE)
Importance
Makes students responsible for their own learning
Encourages collaboration and teamwork
Helps teachers understand student’s strengths and weaknesses
Useful in multi-grade and inclusive classrooms
Examples in India
CCE system by CBSE introduced peer assessment in group projects
NCF 2005 and NEP 2020 encourage participatory assessment
Activity-based learning in Tamil Nadu schools uses self and peer checks
Portfolio assessment, group work evaluation, reflection journals used in B.Ed. programs and progressive schools
Benefits of Emerging Practices
Student-Centered Learning – Learners take part in their own progress.
Flexibility – Time and place are not fixed.
Transparency – Easy to track performance.
Inclusivity – All learners can be evaluated fairly.
Technology Integration – Supports NEP 2020 goals.
Challenges in Indian Context
Digital Divide – Not all students have access to internet or devices.
Teacher Training – Many teachers lack skills for online or participatory methods.
Language Barriers – English-based tools may be hard for rural students.
Evaluation Load – Participatory methods take more time and planning.
Scope in Indian Education
Under Samagra Shiksha, ICT and online tools are promoted.
National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) is being developed.
B.Ed. & teacher training includes modules on modern assessment.
Inclusive education gets better with child-friendly participatory methods.
Conclusion
The future of education in India needs assessment methods that are fair, inclusive, and skill-based. Online and participatory assessments are emerging tools that help to improve the quality of education and build a system where every child can learn and grow at their own pace.
"Assessment is not just about marks – it is about understanding, involvement, and improvement."
|
Aspect |
Online Assessment |
Participatory
Assessment |
|
Medium |
Digital
(internet/mobile) |
Human interaction and
reflection |
|
Focus |
Technology-based
testing |
Student
involvement in assessment |
|
Tools Used |
Google Forms, Quizizz,
DIKSHA |
Self-checklists, peer
review |
|
Feedback |
Instant and
automated |
Personalized
and reflective |
|
NEP 2020 Support |
Yes – promotes digital
learning |
Yes – promotes active
learning |
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