Naqvi Z, Ahmed R.
Towards Improved Assessment – 1: Why and How to Assess?.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;53(7):264-7.

Assessment begins with identification of the learning goals and ends with a judgement concerning the extent to which those goals have been achieved. There are two main purposes of students assessment (examinations): to improve the quality of learning; and certification of knowledge or performance. In medical education certification leads towards licensing to deal with human lives, thus both these objectives become increasingly important. Generally, judgement is required to achieve both the goals. In the first it directly serves the needs of the student (internal motivation) and in the second it contributes to motivation through the recognition of achievement. Students neglect learning, if the latter is weak. Unfortunately, resource pressures increasingly lead medical teachers to protect assessment system, tools and content for official recognition at the expense of self and peer assessment for learning.

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