Self and Peer Assessment Techniques
(Observation, Portfolio, Interview, Focus Group Discussion, Rubrics)
Introduction
Assessment is not just about giving marks. It is a way to understand how much students have learned and how they can improve. Self and peer assessment are new techniques where students take part in the assessment process.
These methods are child-friendly and help make education more meaningful and inclusive, as supported by NEP 2020 and CCE (Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation).
1. Self-Assessment
Meaning:
In self-assessment, the student evaluates their own learning. They reflect on what they did well and what needs improvement.
Example:
A student reviews their own assignment using a checklist.
Filling out a “What I learned today” card.
Importance:
Builds self-confidence
Encourages responsibility
Helps with self-awareness
2. Peer Assessment
Meaning:
In peer assessment, students evaluate each other’s work using guidelines given by the teacher.
Example:
After a group activity, one group gives feedback to another group.
Classmates check each other’s project work using a rubric.
Importance:
Improves collaboration
Develops critical thinking
Encourages mutual respect
3. Observation
Meaning:
The teacher or student observes behaviour, participation, or performance during an activity.
Tools:
Anecdotal records
Rating scales
Checklist
Example:
Observing how a student performs in a science experiment or group work.
Importance:
Useful in continuous assessment
Identifies skills and attitudes
Helps in multi-grade or inclusive classrooms
4. Portfolio
Meaning:
A portfolio is a collection of a student’s work over time that shows learning progress.
Contents:
Drawings
Assignments
Reflections
Test copies
Certificates
Example:
A student’s portfolio in an art or language subject.
Importance:
Shows growth over time
Promotes self-expression
Encourages ownership of learning
5. Interview
Meaning:
An interview is a face-to-face interaction between teacher and student to understand the learner better.
Example:
The teacher asking questions about the student’s reading habits or feelings about a subject.
Importance:
Helps in personalised learning
Useful in formative assessment
Builds teacher-student relationship
6. Focused Group Discussion (FGD)
Meaning:
FGD is a structured discussion among a small group of students on a specific topic, observed by the teacher.
Example:
Discussing environmental problems in a group.
Importance:
Encourages critical and creative thinking
Checks communication skills
Supports collaborative learning
7. Rubrics
Meaning:
A rubric is a scoring guide used to evaluate performance based on set criteria.
Example:
Rubric for essay writing includes marks for content, grammar, creativity, and structure.
Importance:
Transparent and objective assessment
Easy for self and peer use
Makes criteria clear to learners
Benefits of These Techniques
Technique Benefit
Self-assessment Builds confidence and self-awareness
Peer-assessment Promotes teamwork and critical thinking
Observation Helps track real-time performance
Portfolio Shows continuous learning
Interview Helps understand personal learning needs
FGD Encourages group interaction
Rubrics Ensures fair and clear assessment
Indian Context and NEP 2020
NEP 2020 promotes formative, holistic, and child-friendly assessments
CCE system by CBSE includes self and peer assessments
SCERTs and DIETs train teachers to use portfolios and rubrics
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) uses observation-based assessment
National Curriculum Framework (NCF 2005) also highlights these techniques
Challenges
Teachers need training to use these methods properly
Students may not be honest in self-assessment
Needs time and planning
Rural schools may have lack of resources
Conclusion
Self and peer assessment techniques help in creating a classroom where every child learns actively. These methods support the Indian education system's goals of making learning child-centered, inclusive, and competency-based. They also prepare students for life by building skills beyond textbooks.
“Assessment should not just test memory, but nurture learning – and that’s what self and peer techniques do.”
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