What do effective assessments aim to measure in an educational context revealed in WEST-E preparation?

Effective assessments are designed to measure students' understanding and application of concepts, rather than simply factual recall or emotional responses. This approach is grounded in educational strategies that emphasize higher-order thinking skills, where students demonstrate their grasp of material through application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. By focusing on understanding and application, assessments can provide a more comprehensive view of a student's capabilities and readiness to engage with more complex ideas and tasks.

Furthermore, an emphasis on understanding and application encourages students to develop deeper connections with the material, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for their future academic and professional success. Assessments that prioritize these aspects lead to richer insights into a student's learning process and outcomes, aligning with contemporary educational goals that aim to prepare students not just for tests but for real-world challenges.