External assessment methods are methods of evaluating a student's learning or achievement that are conducted by someone outside of the student's immediate environment, such as a teacher or school. These methods can include standardized tests, portfolios, and external exams.
Standardized tests are a common type of external assessment. These tests are designed to be administered and scored in a consistent manner, usually by a testing company or organization. Standardized tests are often used to measure student achievement in relation to a set of predetermined standards or benchmarks. These tests can be useful because they provide a way to compare student performance on a national or international scale, but they can also be criticized because they may not adequately measure the full range of a student's abilities or may not accurately reflect the quality of their education.
Portfolios are another form of external assessment. A portfolio is a collection of a student's work that demonstrates their learning and achievement over time. Portfolios can include a variety of materials, such as essays, projects, and presentations, and are often used to assess student progress in subjects like writing, art, or music. Portfolios can be useful because they provide a more comprehensive view of a student's learning and allow for the inclusion of work that may not be captured by other types of assessment.
External exams are another type of external assessment. These exams are typically administered by a professional organization or accrediting body and are used to evaluate a student's knowledge and skills in a particular subject or discipline. External exams can be useful because they provide a way to certify a student's knowledge and may be required for certain professions or academic programs. However, they can also be stressful for students and may not adequately measure the full range of a student's abilities or learning.
Overall, external assessment methods can be useful tools for evaluating student learning and achievement, but it is important to consider their limitations and use them in conjunction with other forms of assessment. It is also important to ensure that these methods are fair and unbiased, and that they accurately reflect the quality of a student's education.
