Student involvement in determining how to self-assess is particu-
larly valuable. It enhances student motivation by providing a sense of
ownership and responsibility. Engagement also increases intrinsic moti-
vation to base performance more on competence and less on rewards
for performance.
Summary
We believe that student self-assessment, defined as a dynamic
process in which students self-monitor, self-evaluate, and identify correc-
tives to learn, is a critical skill that enhances student motivation and
achievement. In the current era of high-stakes accountability there is
considerable pressure to focus only on student performance and to min-
imize the extent to which self-assessment is taught, experienced, and
encouraged. Self-assessment represents a process that every teacher can
emphasize. As we have indicated, ample research and theory document
the importance of self-assessment. When students set goals that aid their
improved understanding, and then identify criteria, self-evaluate their
progress toward learning, reflect on their learning, and generate strate-
gies for more learning, they will show improved performance with
meaningful motivation. Surely, those steps will accomplish two impor-
tant goals—improved student self-efficacy and confidence to learn—as
well as high scores on accountability tests.
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