In recent years, self-assessment has become a true pedagogical approach. This technique is now integrated into most training programs. The question is: why? What is its purpose?
In reality, self-assessment is an approach with multiple benefits. It primarily allows learners to quickly get answers to their questions about:
- their knowledge
- their actual skills
- their learning objectives.
Encouraging learners to self-assess is a good strategy to optimize learning success. This approach could indeed boost their motivation and satisfaction. It also allows learners to develop their autonomy. How can we encourage students to perform self-assessment and take advantage of its benefits?
Understanding self-assessment
Self-assessment refers to a method of reflection applied to oneself. What does it involve? The principle is to observe and evaluate oneself constructively. What is the goal of this process? It is to identify one’s main strengths and weaknesses, as well as their level of competence and knowledge.
How could learners know where they are going if they don’t even know their current situation? Without understanding their actual skills, they are also unable to set new goals and improve their performance.
Learners get instant feedback at the end of the evaluation process. Therefore, they don’t need to wait for feedback from trainers. In fact, students can also understand the results on their own. Feedback allows them to know their skill level and identify areas for improvement.
It should be noted that self-assessment is now part of activities in professional training programs. Trainers can offer various tools to learners:
- online questionnaires
- quizzes
- practical exercises
- role-playing games
- digital portfolios
- group discussions… etc.
What are the benefits of encouraging learners to self-assess?
Self-assessment is learner-centered. Here is some information on the benefits it could bring.
Optimize learner engagement
Optimizing learner engagement remains a difficult challenge for training organizations. A lot of questions arise, such as:
- how can we encourage learners to engage more in learning?
- how can we foster a sense of belonging?
- how can we make them understand the importance of the training?
An engaged learner is very active and attentive. They contribute to learning and value their results. Self-assessment is a powerful tool to optimize student engagement.
Enhance learners’ metacognitive skills
Each learner already possesses knowledge. But the way they use it differs. A successful learner typically has cognitive skills. They can think well about their knowledge:
- what knowledge do they actually have?
- why do they want to take the training?
- what knowledge do they need to acquire?
Self-assessment helps students develop this ability to think about thinking. This approach will allow them to progress or evolve in their learning.
Promote personal development
Self-assessment is an effective tool for personal development. It promotes self-awareness. This method also helps learners adopt constructive behaviors, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Boost learner autonomy
Recent trends in professional training require learners to become more autonomous. They must be able to learn on their own. Self-assessment helps them become more responsible and proactive.
How to encourage learners to benefit from self-assessment?
Encouraging learners to self-assess is highly beneficial for trainers. How can they be convinced? Here are some strategies trainers could explore.
Make self-assessment a real activity
Self-assessment should be considered an important activity. It should be scheduled at the right time. Trainers must understand that the goal is to help learners understand on their own:
- their successes
- their challenges in one or more areas of learning
- their progress
- the efforts required
- areas for improvement
Tip: It is important to choose the right time to initiate the self-assessment process. The principle is to encourage learners to reflect on their acquired knowledge. Then, guide them to identify their learning needs.
Develop a self-assessment culture
Self-assessment enables learners to become active participants in their learning. They need to be aware of this. As such, they are more likely to engage in the process. It is even recommended to develop a self-assessment culture during training. How can this be done?
Trainers have access to various tactics. For example, they can schedule information sessions where they explain the benefits of self-assessment. Organizing practical workshops is also a good solution.
When students are convinced of the benefits of self-assessment, the process can be launched. However, the trainer must provide individual support. This will allow learners to engage in the process with full understanding, at their own pace. It is also necessary to provide them with effective tools so that they can obtain reliable feedback quickly.
Of course, trainers must also understand the concept of self-assessment. This is why they need to be trained. They must:
- provide an appropriate guide for learners
- carry out regular follow-ups
- support learners in difficulty.
Use digital tools to make the process more engaging
Trainers can rely on digital tools to encourage learners to self-assess. These tools indeed make the process more engaging and less cumbersome.
Easy to use, digital tools allow students to assess their knowledge independently. They will also be able to quickly identify their mistakes.
There is, therefore, an increased awareness, which can only push students to engage more in learning. Indeed, it will develop their desire to improve their skills.
Adopt the right approach when implementing self-assessment
It should be noted that self-assessment must be integrated into the training process. Its implementation requires a well-structured approach to encourage learners to carry it out. It is essential to:
- create a supportive environment for self-assessment
- provide students with the appropriate tools
- offer support to learners.
