Integrating self-assessments into instructional practices not only supports student learning, but also recognizes the responsibility of learners in the teaching and learning process. Further, helping students develop their self-assessment skills prepares them well for their futures as professionals and life-long learners.
Taras (2010) outlines a variety of self-assessment strategies that can be employed in the classroom, which are ordered along a continuum from less to more student input. Although these are labeled “weakest” to “strongest,” Taras emphasizes that even the “weak” self-assessments (i.e., with little to no student input on the criteria) offer significant benefits and opportunities for student learning. Importantly, any method should include early discussion about the assessment standards and expectations.
Consider using or expanding upon one of the strategies below as your students embark on their next paper or project:
