Why Students Find it Difficult to Excel in Assessment?
Assessments are an essential part of the learning process, helping educators measure student progress and identify areas for improvement. However, many students struggle to achieve excellence in periodical assessments despite being introduced to lessons, completing homework, and engaging in classroom activities. The key issue lies not in the students' understanding but in the lack of writing practice, weak listening skills, and low classroom participation.
 |
Understanding the Root Cause of Poor Assessment Performance
Many students comprehend the concepts well and even express their thoughts effectively in initial discussions. However, when the assessment approaches, they often score average marks. Why does this happen?
Limited Writing Practice – Understanding a concept and being able to write about it effectively are two different skills. Many students lack the necessary writing practice to articulate their knowledge accurately during assessments.
Weak Listening Skills – A significant portion of learning occurs through listening. If students do not actively engage in listening during lessons, they miss key details that could enhance their understanding and response quality.
Low Presentation in Class – Speaking and presenting ideas out loud helps reinforce learning. Students who do not actively participate in discussions may struggle to express their knowledge in written form later.
Assessment Pressure – Many students experience anxiety during assessments, which impacts their ability to recall information and present it effectively.
A Simple Yet Effective Solution
The solution to improving student performance in assessments is to adopt a multi-sensory learning approach, ensuring that students listen, speak, write, and rewrite until mastery is achieved. Here’s how:
Oral Assessments – Instead of relying solely on written tests, conduct one-on-one oral assessments. This will help evaluate listening and comprehension skills more effectively.
Speaking Practice – Encourage students to present their understanding verbally in class. This builds confidence and strengthens their ability to articulate their thoughts during written assessments.
Rewriting for Perfection – Have students rewrite their answers multiple times to improve fluency and eliminate errors. This reinforces concepts and enhances writing clarity.
Multi-Sensory Learning – Engaging students in active learning using multiple senses helps solidify knowledge and makes learning more interactive and enjoyable.
Transformative Benefits
By implementing these strategies, the impact on student learning and assessment performance will be significant:
Higher Academic Performance – Students will perform better in assessments as they refine their skills through practice. ✔ Increased Interest in Learning – A structured approach will eliminate unnecessary stress and make learning more engaging. ✔ Stronger Cognitive and Emotional Growth – Confidence in speaking and writing will lead to overall academic and personal development. ✔ Happier and Motivated Learners – When students succeed, they feel encouraged, reducing anxiety and fostering a positive attitude toward learning.
Education is not just about memorisation but about developing essential skills that lead to mastery. By incorporating oral assessments, speaking opportunities, and writing reinforcement, schools can ensure that students achieve excellence in their periodical assessments. When assessments become a tool for growth rather than a source of stress, learning thrives, and students develop a lifelong love for knowledge.
